Integrity in Politics - who had it / does anyone still have it / did it ever exist?

[Mrsmunchofmunchington]

Irrespective of party who do you think was or is a politician of genuine convictions and honesty, prepared to stand up for what they believe in for the benefit of the country rather than say anything to get the ultimate job as either a minister or PM?

Rory Stewart made a point some time ago which I think has some merit. Until the 80s/90s a large percentage of male MPs would have served either in WWII or done National Service as young men. They would have fought and trained alongside each other despite differing political opinions and knew that you had to work together to achieve your goals. As those MPs retired their replacements didn’t have the same life experiences and the idea of working alongside someone who had different views to you was an alien concept.

That’s not to say they were all above reproach, but let’s face it something like the Profumo Affair would barely raise an eyebrow these days, but it ended his career back then.

The late Frank Field. Labour MP for Birkenhead. A politician who shone with integrity and represented all of the good parts of the labour party.

Yes, absolutely. As a (mild) Tory, I seriously wanted to be on Frank Field's team. He really was a deep thinker on serious demographic issues and if his worries had received more attention when he expressed them, I don't think we would have been quite as deep in the hole as we are now.

Yvette Cooper.

DH works in an organisation local to where Yvette lives and represents. He has lots of professional contact with her.

She is one smart professional, really knowledgeable and principled. She certainly keeps DH on his toes!

She is also selfless in supporting others.

I think there's a lot to be said for the "dull" politicians: John Major, Gordon Brown, Theresa May. They had a bad press at the time, but in the end, whether they are "successful" or not is to some extent down to luck, and the hand they were dealt. And as for that dullard Starmer: nobody seems to like him, and he was handed not so much a poisoned chalice but a cup of shit straight from the devil's bottom. If he comes crashing down for being "weak", he might be judged more favourably in years to come. I'd rather him in charge than Johnson or Badenoch, or Farage.

People seem to want "iconic" personalities, like Tony Blair and Boris Johnson; both of whom quite literally got away with murder, because people "liked" them so much. "But Boris is so funny!" And as for Farage: some people seem to worship him as a knight in shining armour who is going to round up all those pesky immigrants once and for all; or says he will.

I haven’t always agreed with his beliefs but I think Tim Farron has been a principled MP who has lived by his convictions.

I the Profumo Affair would still be a scandal today but, John Profumo then went on work for and fundraise for charity. He kind of dedicated himself then to do good works. I feel that sense of shame is missing now and that, if you do wrong, you should reflect on what and try to improve yourself or the lives of others.

People seem to want "iconic" personalities

The older I get, the less I want them, because they appear more shallow with every passing year. I would prefer politicians with facial warts to the tribe that want to be pretty popular politicians. Being restrained, I am not going to discuss the tube strike. Except to say that it makes me very cross.

Yes Jeremy Corbyn has integrity....works hard for everyone, fights for injustice....

If people wanted integrity they had once in a lifetime opportunity to elect him... instead you got Boris....zero integrity

That’s such a good point. Shame, and a willingness quietly to atone, has vanished.

So few disgraced powerful people ever feel shame and remorse now. It’s regrettable.

I also think mawkishness and sentimentality has ruined us. I blame Diana for that.

I would agree that Corbyn has never compromised on what he believes in 40 years in politics. However he has always been, and remains, an idiot. With some superficial charm.

I have interviewed him (this is genuinely true). He seemed like a nice bloke.

After watching Mr Bates v The Post Office - I would say the MP James Arbuthnot. I'm not a Tory voter but was impressed with the amount of time and energy he spent supporting the sub-postmasters. I think he's in the House of Lords now.

OK, for those who really think they're able to separate the political position from the concept of integrity:

Gerry Adams 😀

Can't say I agree with many of her beliefs but I was impressed by Kate Forbes MSP's forthrightness and determination to stick to her convictions even though her honesty probably cost her the SNP leadership bid.

What about Andy Burnham? He comes across as very decent and principled from what I read.

And a really strong commitment to his locality. Great evaluation of what is needed and acts on it.

In a similar way, watching ‘I fought the law’ (Ann Ming) the late Frank Cook, who listened and supported her with a massive change to the law.

That's not the same as having integrity and sorry but I vehemently disagree that Lammy has integrity

"Gordon Brown"

Can't really agree with this. You may recall he introduced a 10p rate of tax for the low paid and to make work pay then scrapped it just prior to becoming prime minister to fund a cut in the basic rate of tax for a popularity boost.

Betrayed his principles as soon as he got the top job.

I don’t think having integrity is just about sticking steadfastly to your principles- I think it’s also about being prepared to listen and change.

So I would agree that Thatcher was extremely principled, and a powerful leader. I disagree profoundly with her views but have a certain admiration for her. But for true integrity I would look for someone more willing to be humble.

Although she was a less effective leader I think Theresa May better meets my definition of integrity. Gordon Brown was also a flawed leader but had integrity.

Alistair Darling not yet mentioned I don’t think? He never got enough credit in his lifetime I feel.

I also think there are a lot of backbench MPs who are working tirelessly for the constituents and to make changes that don’t make headline news who have a heap of integrity.

I have had professional dealing with Karen Buck (Labour MP who stepped down at the last election to help care for her husband) - she was both a first class constituency MP and fought for and achieved change to national policy. Never a household name but she was (and is) brilliant.

I also think there are a lot of backbench MPs who are working tirelessly for the constituents and to make changes that don’t make headline news who have a heap of integrity.

I agree. And most of them are women.

Zack Polanski

LOL, the hypnoboob guy? Give me a break.

Margaret Beckett, Jess Philips, George Mudie, John Battle