Nothing concentrates the mind like the prospect of a hanging, as that good Tory, Doctor Johnson, put it. One of the healthiest aspects of British democracy is that, every few years, every single member of parliament must face the decision of the electors.
The voters of the Gainsborough constituency have been kind enough to return me to Westminster for an 11th turn. I was surprised to find myself become Father of the House as the kindly Sir Peter Bottomley was sadly not re-elected.
The duties of this new role are hardly onerous – I presided over the re-election of the Speaker and I served as one of his temporary stand-ins in the weeks before the deputy speakers were elected – but it should kick me up the speaking lists when I want to air my views in the chamber.
