Lembit Opik: no leader
There are more pressing issues than the Budget and its hangover this morning (already way down the BBC News 24 running order.) The only real political story today is Lembit Opik's calamitous appearance last night on The Apprentice Sports Relief special.
Lembit was the only politician in the boys' group - alongside Kelvin McKenzie (ex Sun), Hardeep Singh Kohli (TV presenter), Phil Tufnell (cricketer), and Nick Hancock (comedian). He could and should have provided the team with leadership, decision making and the ability to win people over.
Yet he sulked, dithered and then flailed during high-wire negotiaions with the girls' team (led by Jacqueline Gold, who runs Ann Summers). The others tried to to organise a coup for Kelvin McKenzie to take power. He couldn't even get the Cheeky girls to the event his team was organising. One review this morning said:
Lembit Opik revealed that he has all the commanding authority of a kitten that's just come out of a tumble dryer. I hope that he doesn't have Lib Dem leadership ambitions, because all an opponent would have to do to dish his chances utterly would be to play a DVD of this programme.
For those who were foolishly watching budget coverage last night, this is unmissable, and still available for the next week on BBC iPlayer (6 days left).
Lembit is still widely expected to run for the position of Lib Dem President, to replace Simon Hughes. God help the party - and its meetings - if he does.
Exactly my sentiments too-and Hardeep was a big girl's blouse! Totally pathetic.
Posted by: Grace | 13 Mar 2008 13:02:52
Lembit Opek is a loser, always has been, always will be. The only surprise to me is that people voted for him in sufficient numbers to elect him to parliament.
Posted by: Rod Barry | 13 Mar 2008 20:45:54
The man is as big a clown as that idiot Boris Johnson. These people may be capable of putting on a show in a circus but I can't understand why they ever get elected.
Posted by: Paul | 14 Mar 2008 08:41:27
When has the LDs ever had or needed a leader?
Posted by: Dave Madley | 14 Mar 2008 19:31:55
The contortion in his face might show that he has been extremely conflicted at some point in his life. It's hardly normal. One can see his lower face going in two directions, after all. He can't prevent this, any more than Gordon Brown can prevent his tongue sticking into his cheek.
Posted by: Elsbeth Morgan | 16 Mar 2008 00:01:38
Of course he is a clown, but then like any other provincial circus the Lib Dems would be unable to operate without them.
Posted by: Simon Marshland | 16 Mar 2008 10:01:53
It has been clear for years that Lembit Opik is one of life's losers.
It really is ironic that in politics you seemingly need no leadership skills to lead the country.
Posted by: Jack | 16 Mar 2008 11:14:48
Of course Lembit is a ridiculous creature, but then he's a Lib-Dem, a party who's new leader calls for more democracy, localisation of power, yet supports the EU which sucks ever more power away from nations!
As for The Apprentice Sports Relief Special.. grow up.
Posted by: Harlan Leyside | 17 Mar 2008 04:24:34