House of Commons souvenirs going cheap
There's a shop deep in the House of Commons that sells expensive presents decorated with the portcullis design. They had a sudden run on Michael Martin's Speaker's whisky shortly after he resigned, but they're usually not too busy.
And now they've got a sale on. I spotted a set of coasters reduced from £45 to £35!
But you might find a few MPs keen to spend their resettlement allowance on a keepsake or two. After all many of those standing down next week have spend a lifetime on the green benches.
At Prime Minister's Questions today I spotted several MPs from the South paying a fond last visit.
East Hampshire's Michael Mates chuckled jovially in his traditional place as Gordon Brown and David Cameron hammered it out. Mark Oaten popped in for one last time sporting a new sun tan to cheer on his leader.
I didn't see so many of our retirees on the Labour benches. But from all parties those on smaller majorities had the slightly nervous look of people making sure they made the most of the final PMQs - taking one last look around, just in case they don't come back.
Welcome to the hustings! I'm Peter Henley, the BBC's political reporter in the south of England. From parish councils in Sussex, to European politics in Oxford, this is the blog for you. 
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.