John Biffen - a belated tribute
September 5th, 2007 |
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The death of John Biffen came just before my holiday. His political life is a reminder that independence of mind and approach is a useful asset to a political party, and should not be shunned. His treatment at the hands of Bernard Ingham was disgraceful. I think that Sir Bernard regretted it all later. I remember John Biffen using the phrase “the cancer of arrogance”. It sums up the dangers at the top of politics.
His “Guide To the House Of Commons” is an excellent book that helped inspire my own political aspirations. It is tempting to suggest that we will not see his kind again. Too pessimistic, I think. The terrain may be harsher, but such plants should at least survive, if not thrive, in modern politics.
