I can reveal – exclusively – the results of thrilling research that shows an overwhelmingly strong link between Beards in political life and the quality of political debate.
Alix Mortimer explains:
“In 1909, beards were almost synonymous with politicians – and typically the average politician used a vocabulary of over 10,000 words in their communications with the electorate.
100 years later, the beards are gone and the typical vocabulary of a beardless cabinet minister is down to about 10 words, including, “clearly”, “wasn’t” and “me” being the most commonly used words.
This strong correlation proves conclusively that quality of political debate is directly proportional to the amount of facial hair worn by our leaders.
Only a full blooded campaign by bloggers will help restore a FULL BEARDED PARLIAMENT at once. Let’s face it, someone on the blogosphere needs to concentrate on what really matters in politics: Beards.
Costigan Quist said...
10 May 09 at 10:47 pm
Seems slightly at odds with getting 50% women MPs, but I’m sure we can find a way.
Not sure about the beard thing, to be honest. I’ve long thought that our MPs should have bushy sideburns and finely waxed handlebar moustaches. Even Jacqui Smith couldn’t go wrong with that.
Jennie said...
10 May 09 at 10:55 pm
Facial hair of all kinds is a winner. Look at John Thurso.
(psst, you spelt correlation wrong.)
Tom James said...
10 May 09 at 11:08 pm
And in this vein:
What is the deal with Charles Clarke MP’s facial hair?
Either it’s a godawful beard or he is in the habit of taking a week off shaving before making any teevee appearance.
Charlotte Gore said...
10 May 09 at 11:21 pm
Hey take it to Pedants’ Corner Jennie! We’ll have none of that fancy lawyer spelling here.
Andrew HIckey said...
10 May 09 at 11:33 pm
I shall choose to take this entirely seriously, and pretend that there is no subtext or possible joking element here. And I hereby nominate myself as Liberal Democrat Prime Minister, by virtue of almost certainly having the largest beard in the party.
Alix said...
10 May 09 at 11:36 pm
Eh? I’ve said no such thing. Unless my schizophrenia is playing up again. Mind you, it sounds like the kind of thing I might say.
Charlotte Gore said...
10 May 09 at 11:40 pm
Ah. You know, I probably should have asked before I completely made up a quote by you. You can tell I’ve made Focus leaflets before cough
Alex "BeardFan" Foster said...
11 May 09 at 12:51 am
Have you not noticed that a version of the humble beard is suddenly fashionable once more?
I gave up shaving in 2001 out of frustration at the number of times I had nearly killed myself whilst gazing bleary eyed at the mirror first thing in the afternoon, but now, years later, it seems Modern Man is catching up.
Of course, the modern mores are a long way away from the longer specimens of the past, but a form of designer stubble is currently de rigeur in all sorts of parts of society. It fair gladdens the heart to see all these attractive young things with bestubbled chins strutting their stuff of a Saturday night.
It is only a matter of time before the Mother of Parliaments catches up.
Stephen Glenn said...
11 May 09 at 7:48 am
I see my election strategy should include the regrowth of my occasionsal beard then.
patently said...
11 May 09 at 9:20 am
You’re quite wordy, Charlotte. Now I’m wondering if your photo is a bit shopped in the chin area?
Simon said...
11 May 09 at 9:47 pm
Here’s an interesting article on a rocket scientist with a moustache.
http://thechap.net/content/section_news/?p=20
You might also have a look at the manifesto if you visit their site. There are some ideas which would probably go down very well in Lib Dem circles
Matthew Huntbach said...
13 May 09 at 9:11 am
I don’t particularly like my beard. It was the idea of a previous woman in my life. When I split up with her, I had intended to shave it off, but wanted to wait till the summer break so I wasn’t turning up work one day with it, the next without. But during the waiting time I met the person I’m currently married to, and she liked the beard as well and ever since then has insisted I keep it. It also gave me a more mature look when I first started work as a lecturer, which was helpful so people didn’t think I was just another student. That’s no longer a problem.