QUITE recently a Derbyshire MP was featured in a national newspaper. A political icon, a man on a mission, a mission to save his people, a man of 40 years in Parliament and never had so much as half a pint of ale in the Members' Bar, he represents the constituency of Bolsover, often called "The Beast of Bolsover".
Yes, it can only mean one person – Dennis Skinner MP. He never changes, always the same. He refuses to accept the 10% salary increase until constraints are lifted for everybody, a true man of the people and, at 82-years-old, he looks remarkably well. And there is one exceptional thing about him – he says what he thinks.
I bet there are many Tory MPs who wish they had the same resolve as Dennis. Can one really imagine any Conservative refusing the 10% salary increase? If only all MPs, including ministers, realised they are servants of the people and the taxpayer pays their salaries and expenses. It would be interesting to know how many MPs have claimed illegal expenses and said nothing. You won't find our Dennis doing that, he is as straight as a die.
I would like to wish Dennis Skinner MP all the best for the future. You are a great guy, the people of Bolsover know where they are with you, as you tell it how it is.
Harry Watson
Bradford
