THE Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, gets mad when MPs call Tories liars. In fact, he gets mad when MPs even ask Boris Johnson if he is a liar.
To Hoyle, such comments are just “not savoury”.
The sensitive ears of well-paid Westminster representatives couldn’t bear to hear such words, and brave Hoyle will protect them.
The Speaker, who previously represented Labour, doesn’t take any such umbrage with actual lies being told in front of him, no. It’s only the calling out of those lies which he doesn’t like.
READ MORE: WATCH: Ian Blackford told off by Speaker for exposing Boris Johnson's lies
Hoyle likes to keep up appearances, regardless of what may be rotting away underneath, as his latest proclamations show.
He has instructed MPs returning to the Commons next week to smarten up their attire, an apparent reminder that the days of “Zooming” into Parliament are over.
“Members are expected to wear business attire in and around the Chamber,” the new rules say. “Jeans, chinos, sportswear or any other casual trousers are not appropriate. T-shirts and sleeveless tops are not business attire.
“Smart/business shoes are expected to be worn. Casual shoes and trainers are not appropriate. Men are encouraged to wear a tie, and jackets must be worn.
“It is a privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament and your dress, language and conduct should reflect this.”
Are these rules compulsory? No. The previous speaker, John Bercow, said there was “no exact dress code” and that typical business clothing was merely a suggestion.
However Hoyle, the son of an MP turned life peer, likes to do things in what he believes to be the correct and proper way.
READ MORE: Labour MP ordered to leave the Commons after saying Boris Johnson lies
And the correct and proper way is also quite joyless, as Hoyle has ruled out singing, chanting, and clapping (to be fair, applause has been banned in theory for a long time, hence the constant “hear, hears”).
MPs have also been told to pay attention: “When listening to a debate you should not read books or newspapers or obviously devote yourself to your phone or other electronic device.”
Bad news for those MPs who like to tweet from the chamber then.
Will Hoyle’s rules be anything more than a thin veneer masking the rotten core of Westminster politics? Unlikely.
Then again, perhaps Hoyle and his rules just about sum Westminster up. All pomp, no substance.
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