Lynne Featherstone

Am doing Question Time this Thursday. What do you think the questions will be?

I remember doing Question Time the Thursday after I was elected in 2005 – a terrifying thing to do to a new MP with virtually no television experience. But actually – it went well. I was sitting next to Boris – still an MP at that point in time. There was a question about whether young people should be banned from wearing hoodies in Bluewater shopping centre. I remember noting down the words ‘dress code’ and saying that any establishment was welcome to have a dress code – but in terms of hoodies – it should be about behaviour not a piece of clothing. After I spoke – Boris said ‘dress code’ definitely – and agreed with me – or words to that affect. He was very funny and whilst I don’t agree with him that much – and am still cross with him for even standing for Mayor of London (let alone winning) I’ve always had a soft spot because of his kindness that evening.

A couple of days later, I think – although memory may not be completely accurate – I met or was phoned by Shami Chakrabarti – who said she had watched Question Time and that answer signalled to her I was ‘one of us’. Much flattered – and the start of a good working relationship – which as I became spokesperson for Crime and Policing shortly afterwards was a very good thing.

Of course – it might still not happen – as last time I was lined up I was bumped off the program in favour of that Nick Clegg!

Comments

1. Facebook User says:

   16 February 2010 at 6:30 pm

   After the recent revelations about the (true) state of the Greece economy, would hope that someone would ask how much is Brown and Darling hiding from all us?
2. Mark Reckons says:

   16 February 2010 at 7:22 pm

   Good luck Lynne! We’ll be following it as usual on the live chat on my blog.
3. Lynne Featherstone says:

   16 February 2010 at 7:46 pm

   Thanks Mark – just never know how it is going to go. But a bit more experienced than that first time.
4. Mark Reckons says:

   16 February 2010 at 8:11 pm

   Well for what it’s worth the nerves didn’t show last time from what I can remember.

   It’s a pity it’s in Middlesborough as if you were home for 10:35 you could have come along to join in the chat! ;)
5. Louise Bloom says:

   19 February 2010 at 2:48 pm

   Hi Lynne, I’ve just watched you on iplayer whilst doing boring Friday afternoon paperwork in the office. You were great as always! :-)