Every five years there is a Parliamentary ritual which involves every new MP making a maiden speech. In the past this was a leisurely affair in which new MPs would often wait years before making their first contribution. I would not expect my constituents to be as patient! In the few weeks since the election, among many activities in the constituency and Westminster: I have gone a long way towards setting up an office to serve constituents; met with the Rail Minister to insist she forces action to improve local services; submitted, jointly with fellow concerned MPs, a contribution to the Air Quality Consultation; and progressed, in many cases resolved, dozens of pieces of casework. Each of these is incredibly important to those writing-in but none could be progressed during the election campaign.
However it is in the Chamber that the House of Commons actually meets and works. I am already learning that those who can hold a Minister to account there – and use the Chamber’s many ruses – have a huge advantage in pushing their constituents’ concerns.
A maiden speech is meant to be uncontroversial and incorporate positive comments about your predecessor; for me an easy task. I was delighted to see Francis taking his seat in the Upper House as Lord Maude of Horsham. His ongoing role as Minister for Trade is one of the most gruelling – he will be regularly on a plane – but its ability to drive exports and boost investment makes it an invaluable job in which to place an experienced Minister.
Because Francis had served previously as an MP before he was elected here he never made a maiden speech as MP for Horsham. However the maiden speeches of the three MPs who represented Horsham for over 90 years of the last century all speak vividly to the eras of their election. Sir Peter Hordern spoke of the menace of the pylons that were despoiling the Sussex countryside – alas we have continuing and much more widespread environmental concerns today. He went on the attack the new Labour Government’s running of the economy. Freddie Gough, one of the heroes of Arnhem, spoke of Imperial Defence. Lord Winterton, in 1904, of the perils of sparks from steam locomotives setting crops ablaze and demanding protection for the farmers affected.
Lord Winterton apologised for “intruding on the debate” as he was only 21! He went on to serve 47 years and retired as the Father of the House. If, as I hope, I get called shortly to make my own maiden speech I will at least spare a thought for Lord Winterton as it was he who chaired the committee that rebuilt the Commons after its total destruction in the War. He kept it as a close arena (with insufficient room for all members to sit) it may not be as practical as other parliaments but any new MP cannot help but be awed by its sense of history and how it can be used to serve those who elect us.