Two neighbouring North London Tory MPs have not spoken to each other for more than a year in a simmering feud over gay marriage.
Finchley’s Mike Freer, who spoke emotionally in favour of the move in the Commons this week, citing his love for his male partner, is at loggerheads with Hendon’s Matthew Offord – a staunch opponent.
Freer curtly refused to let Offord interrupt his speech – and when Offord did stand to speak, he likened same-sex matrimony to ‘polygamy’.
The pair used to be friends – now they need mediation.
Sports Minister Hugh Robertson – happily married to wife Anna for ten years – is being ribbed by unreconstructed Conservative colleagues over his unenviable job of steering the same-sex marriage Bill on to the statute book.Says a friend: ‘The next MP to bowl up to him and shout, “Hello, Duckie” in a high, camp voice will probably get a thump.’Unsurprisingly, Boris Johnson had the best Huhne joke, telling a Chartered Institute of Housing dinner: ‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen, in the immortal words of Chris Huhne to Vicky Pryce, there are three points I want to get across to you tonight darling...’
He’s got a nerve, bearing in mind his own dalliances. But unlike Cameron, Boris can – and does – get away with anything. Which is why he makes Dave so cross.
When will Jeremy learn his lesson?Oh, TO be a fly on the wall when Jeremy Hunt takes a private call from his delightful Chinese wife, Lucia.
The Health Secretary has been overheard whispering sweet (or should that be sickly?) nothings to his wife in Oriental-accented English.
But it makes Dog wonder why Hunt ever bothered to take Mandarin lessons at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £2,500.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been overheard whispering sweet to his wife Chinese wife Lucia in Oriental-accented EnglishEd Balls bridled when this newspaper revealed claims from colleagues of a dinner party plot to undermine Labour leader Ed Miliband last year.But the effect of ‘Lasagne-gate’ has boosted his kitchen credentials to near Jamie Oliver levels.At a recent party fundraising event, one generous donor pledged £1,110 for one of the Shadow Chancellor’s culinary creations. Ed promises it won’t contain horsemeat. Yvette's locker shocker
Yvette Cooper got the shock of her life when she went into the ‘Members’ Changing Rooms’ at Westminster to use the unisex facilities.
One male Tory MP – apparently unaware of the ‘his ’n’ hers’ arrangements – gave Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary the Full Monty treatment.
‘Yvette suddenly spotted something very interesting on the ceiling,’ says a friend.
It’s not easy being a gent these days. Tory grandee Edward Leigh thought Nadine Dorries would be pleased by his response when she said her speech in the gay marriage debate was not one of her best.‘Don’t worry my dear, you looked absolutely lovely,’ he said. ‘That’s outrageous!’ retorted Nadine. What’s a chap to do?