‘My jobs enhance Parliament’: Osborne makes light work of his afternoon shift

‘Even by Mr Osborne’s standards, it was a performance of spectacular insouciance. Happily, his fellow Tory MPs were universally supportive’

Yesterday afternoon, for 35 minutes, the Commons was graced by a very special visitor: George Osborne. These days, sadly, the former chancellor’s busy schedule rarely permits him to participate in parliamentary debate, what with his commitments as Archbishop of York, chairman of the RSPB and presenter of Homes Under the Hammer, but yesterday he took a break from compiling the Norton Anthology of 21st Century Verse to pop into the chamber. MPs were no doubt delighted to see him, because it just so happened that he was the subject under discussion. Andrew Gwynne (Lab, Denton & Reddish) wanted to know how it could possibly be right for Mr Osborne to take on his latest role – editor of London’s Evening Standard – while remaining MP for Tatton in Cheshire.

“To hold several time-consuming outside commitments” that created conflicts of interest with an MP’s duties, protested Mr Gwynne, was “impossible to defend”.

Reclining languidly on the Conservative back benches, Mr Osborne appeared unfazed. Indeed, he looked positively cheerful. Perhaps he was still basking in the glory of his winning goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Southampton 24 hours earlier, or his triumph in the Best Actress category at Sunday night’s Empire Film Awards. At any rate, he was in such a good mood that he decided to chip in with a little joke. “I thought it was important to be here, Mr Speaker,” he chirped, “although unfortunately we’ve missed the deadline for the Evening Standard.” For some reason, MPs from other parties didn’t seem amused. “In my view,” continued Mr Osborne airily, “this Parliament is enhanced when we have people of different experience taking part in our robust debates.” In other words: he’s doing it for our own good. You’d think people would be more grateful. Even by Mr Osborne’s standards, it was a performance of spectacular insouciance. Happily, his fellow Tory MPs were universally supportive.

“Is it not the case that we believe in a free press, and therefore a proprietor should have the right to appoint who they wish as editor?” asked Michael Gove, who on top of his £74,962 salary as MP for Surrey Heath is paid £150,000 a year to write a column for The Times.

“Many people in this House,” added Tom Tugendhat (Con, Tonbridge & Malling), “have a second job.” True, although unlike Mr Osborne, few have a third, fourth, fifth and sixth job.

Liz McInnes (Lab, Heywood & Middleton) offered sympathy. Would parliamentary authorities take into account the European Working Time Directive and ensure he didn’t damage his health by working excessive hours?

“My right honourable friend was industrious when rescuing this country’s economy,” replied Ben Gummer, the Cabinet Office minister. “No doubt he will continue to be industrious in whatever form he wishes to take.” Mr Osborne looked up, nodded graciously, and then returned to the score of his new opera.