Home Robertson, 58 next month, is the most experienced politician on Labour’s Scottish benches. It seemed that he was about to walk away from a career spanning nearly 30 years. Except it transpires that he is not walking away at all. Rumours that he is destined for a seat in the House of Lords appear to be true.
“I had every chance of being re-elected to the Scottish parliament in May and I fully intended to do that,” he says.
“But when somebody approaches you, and I have to be careful here . . . I’m not supposed to say where I’m going. But let’s just say press reports are not a million miles adrift."
The reports say he will be offered a peerage. “I met Tony Blair just over a month ago and I was aware there had been discussions. When, at this stage in your career, you get an offer like that, you take it seriously.”
He is aware that it is not yet a fait accompli. “This could go wrong. I may find myself looking for other employment come April. Also, bear in mind that the Metropolitan Police are making enquiries in this area, but I think they’ll be safe enough with me,” he says, joking about the cash-for-honours scandal.
...He admits, however, to being surprised when the call about the Lords came through. “Frankly, people of my age from the Scottish parliament who have not held senior political office — it is a bit unusual. It’s usually people who are older and have been cabinet ministers. I have an inkling it might be something to do with recognition that this building is a bit of a triumph.”
He is referring to the Scottish parliament. Home Robertson chaired the Holyrood Progress Group that oversaw its construction.
(Oh that triumph...)
Perhaps Mr Home Robertson might defer counting his chickens until his eggs have hatched.
1 comment:
If its not cash for honours, it's keeping the scandals at bay, and he did a good job in that regard with his involvement in the Scottish Parliament building project, where he like everyone else knew what was going on but did nothing.
Sitting among the likes of convicted perjurers, convicted arsonists & whatnot in the House of Lords might just fit Home Robertson well - after all, the arrogance of this guy certainly shines through in his recent interviews and explanations to colleagues of his rental activities.
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