Yes. His calibre relative to today’s tells you that in spades. And that was because of not despite his profession.
https://twitter.com/michaellcrick/status/1458169995398197248
John Smith may be an extreme example. But my old head of chambers, Sir Ivan Lawrence QC, not only had a regular practice at the Old Bailey, he sat on standing committees (considering legislation), introduced a backbench Bill that became law and held the record for filibustering.
In other words, unlike the (largely) dross that sit in the House of Commons now, he was a legislator, giving his expertise and experience to explain what works, what doesn’t, what would he objectionable and why.
That is the case for people from all professions and other backgrounds. And it’s no good doing a few years and then becoming a professional politician. Professional skills, knowledge and experience are most valuable when they are maintained.
And that is because of lack of independence. And I’m afraid independence does mean financial independence. If MPs are dependent upon their Parliamentary salary and on continuing to be an MP after the next election, they are much more likely to be beholden to the whips.
https://twitter.com/jameswmullen/status/1458353013895139329
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