High time for Astor statue

FORMER Labour PM Tony Blair has been seeking national rehabilitation, after the catastrophe of the Iraq war, by speaking out against Brexit. Yet last week we were reminded that Mr Blair still has blood on his hands. He is refusing to cancel his multimillionpound contract with the Saudi Arabian government in the wake of the horrific revelations about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. So long as he retains his association with the Saudi government, Mr Blair has no right to claim to be a moral voice on the international stage. ACCORdING to the Public Monument and Sculpture Association, there are 65 public statues of politicians in Britain. disgracefully, not one of these celebrates the life of a female politician.

That’s why the campaign launched by Labour MP Luke Pollard to erect a statue in honour of Nancy Astor deserves support

Lady Astor, who, like Pollard, represented Plymouth, was Britain’s first female MP to take her seat. She won it 99 years ago, in November 1919, defeating the Liberal candidate, Isaac Foot, father of Labour leader Michael Foot.

The indomitable Lady Astor kept her seat for 26 years and campaigned on many issues, including the dangers of alcohol. It’s high time that this splendid woman who played such a glorious role in our national history is recognised. Only 11 men (and not a single woman) have held the post of Cabinet Secretary since the role was created by lloyd George in 1916. This week Jeremy Heywood, who has served in that post since 2012, stepped down owing to poor health. I’ve criticised Sir Jeremy (soon to be lord Heywood) from time to time, but one measure of the man cannot be denied. He is someone who has given his life to public service. All the prime ministers he served under have spoken in glowing terms of his contribution. I believe his finest hour came when he played a crucial role in holding together the CleggCameron coalition government.