He's back
So Shaun Woodward then. The only minister for whom a move to Hillsborough castle might be considered downsizing. I spent a day with him when he was juggling health and security and was impressed by his drive and determination. But he did have his banana skin - the time when his assessment of the IRA's involvement in crime seemed to differ markedly from that of some of his most senior police officers.
At least he doesn't have to spend too much time reading himself in. And from a media point of view he's good news - the sort of politician who doesn't like to walk past a camera without saying something into it.
Come to think of it, those who predicted Quentin Davies were half right - we got an ex-Tory. And those who predicted Paul Goggins were half right too - we got a former Policing minister. But to be honest, I'm surprised and look forward to seeing the former That's Life producer on his first SoS walkabout.
P.S. He's doing it for free, which means the taxpayer is saving 拢76,904 per year by my reckoning.
I'm 
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This political philanthropist should fit in just fine what with local politics operating with the aim of power for power's sake - the sacrificial lamb being longstanding party principles.
We have had so many recent volte-face's over longstanding political ideology that this money-man, who was formerly a Tory without-office turn Labour stalwart with-office, should be able to mingle with suitable ease among our local politicians.
I wonder, however, what he's not taking in salary is instead going to Labour as 'in-office' fees or whether he is genuinely voiding all monies in relation this role.
Either way it reeks of appeasement by office with grandeur and government by plutocracy - the notable characteristics of many a 'good' past SoS.
What chance a deeply federal UK with 'excepted' policy matters greatly reduced to nought.
Yeah, cos being married to the Sainsbury's heiress, he's bound to be short a bob or two.
Maybe he should ask his butler for a loan(!)
P.P.S. And rumour has it he was actually the third choice for the post ... behind a certain Scottish life peer.
Mark
Here is already benefiting from the arrival of Shaun Woodward. In that respect I would highlight that on Wednesday of this week, Sainsbury鈥檚 at Forestside gave customers two free toilet rolls (Super Soft, Pure White and particularly effective when used along with Sainsbury鈥檚 Moist Toilet Tissues). This was an offer not to be sniffed at and obviously a result of Shaun鈥檚 influence with his Sainsbury鈥檚 heiress wife. You may snigger at his eagerness to get in front of the cameras but if he is using his position to give free goods to shoppers then his self-promotion is a small price to pay.
This week鈥檚 free offer was not a one-off gesture by the former 鈥淭hat鈥檚 Life鈥 producer. I urge shoppers to get down to Forestside next week because Sainsbury鈥檚 is giving away rude-shaped vegetables with every 拢150 purchase of petrol. Who said multi-millionaires don鈥檛 care about the plebeians!
Susie
Carryduff
I'm usually negative about politicians by instinct, but on this occassion I think I should say, "Good on him!"
He's doing a job nobody else wants or cares about. Sure, he might have a rich wife and a butler, therefore hardly needs the money. Equally, he hardly needs the work.
Sounds like the man has a bit of character and we might just be a wee bit better off for his company.
As long as we have a new Secretay of State and Peter Hain is away who cares? The country can now get on with normal politics.