OK I’ll try to offer something a little more valuable later in the weekend but I can’t help a quick post on something I’ve noticed over the last few hours.
Conferences (and bus trips) are a chance for MPs to perhaps relax a notch and for people to see us as real human beings, not just faces on the telly.
So it’s interesting to see how the fashion sense kicks in when we get out of the uniform suit and tie (gender biased I know – the women get a bit more flexibility in standing orders… and I’m not brave enough to comment on what they’re wearing!!).
Some of us manage to embrace the opportunity to dress for comfort alone. Me, I’m in t-shirt and jeans. Chippie takes it up a notch with a Labour branded polo. Trevor is in his obligatory black long-sleeve T.
Others, although out of the suit, don’t seem able to let go of the jacket. Stu Nash manages jeans and jacket whereas David Cunliffe hasn’t gone much further than ditching the tie.
And then there’s David Parker. I wonder if he’s got pin-stripped PJs because I’ve never once seen him out of a suit.
I have to admit, you do become sensitive about what people think when they see you out and about, especially if you’re just trying to relax with the family.
Funny the ways this job pervades every aspect of your life.
In the old days Roman senators wore a different colour toga when on duty – good arrangement. I decided a while ago to be comfortable when not doing formal stuff. So jeans t shirts often, trackie gear. Sometimes don’t shave Sundays to make up for twice a day too often during the week.
And after all these years I still can’t tie a tie to save myself.
I can vouch for Trevor’s last claim!
Iain – you forgot to mention the lycra several delegates were seen sporting yesterday ahead of the inaugural meeting of Labour’s new cycling sector group…
As long as Hipkins doesn’t don perma-stubble.
who once said .. this is not word for word but you will get the drift ..”only a man would get up in the morning and put a noose around his own neck”
I have a confirmed sighting of David P in a t-shirt. Still looking sharp though.