Get well soon our Dennis Skinner

Political living legend Dennis Skinner reportedly was ill at the weekend but is now resting at home.

Mr Skinner, 84, is admired, loved, loathed, feared and more. It may depend on your political persuasion and if you have been on the receiving end of his firebrand variety of politics.

He has been a thorn in the side of many a Tory party leader and quite a few leaders of his own Labour Party.

The so-called Beast of Bolsover has served his constituents well since 1970 and will be a hard act to follow. But sometime in the hopefully distant future 'our Dennis' must retire or pass on from this world. The latter happens to us all sooner or later.

Just last week though Skinner was showing he still has political fire in his belly as he pointedly called out 'hands of our BBC' at the state opening of parliament.

That led to right-wing social media outbursts that the BBC has always been a left-wing mouthpiece but nothing is further from the truth in 2016.

But Mr Skinner recognises that the BBC is a great national treasure worth protecting and fighting for its independence.

Dennis is a rare politician in 2016.

A true man of the people who was born into an ordinary household in a mining community, working down those same coal mines ahead of his political career.

He understands the various challenges that face ordinary men, women and children in a way that Cameron's old Etonian Cabinet never can.

He has never aspired to cosy up to royals or to getting settled in the House of Lords.

If Jeremy Corbyn had been elected leader of the Labour Party even a decade or two ago the two men and the late Tony Benn could have led a True Labour Party rather than a New Labour Party.

But while he is still able Mr Skinner will give David Cameron and his government a run for their money.

In late April he told a grinning clown, Tory Minister for Health Jeremy Hunt to wipe that smirk off his face as the junior doctor crisis deepened.

So Dennis Skinner we, your legion of faithful followers, fans and voters, wish you a speedy recovery. If there comes a time you feel you have to step down as MP we will understand but will sorely miss your humour, compassion, fire and good sense.

​Get well soon 'our Dennis'.

http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/beast-of-bolsover-dennis-skinner-resting-after-hospital-stay-1-7925617
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/eileen-kersey/cameron-ageist-toward-dennis-skinner-what-about-the-queen
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/british-political-scene/dennis-skinner-dodgy-dave-accuser-attracts-more-fans
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/british-political-scene/double-standards-and-high-flying-commons-hypocrisy

Check out Mr Skinner's https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sailing-Close-Wind-Dennis-Skinner/dp/1784291234 for a great read