Even youngish men can acquire wisdom as time goes by.

When I first started out in politics I was, what you might describe as, a hard right Conservative.

I think the record shows that as Speaker, I have taken the lead in cleaning up politics.

Even youngish men can acquire wisdom as time goes by.

I don't think that people are disinterested or uninterested in politics. I think very often they are disengaged from the formal political process. To some extent they are suspicious or even despairing of formal politics as a means to give expression and effect to what they want.

I am seeking every day to restore faith in Parliament - to ensure we have a House of Commons which is representative, effective and reconnected to the people we serve.