FRANK JOHNSON

Early day motion 525, tabled 18 December 2006 by Gerald Kaufman (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House laments the passing of Frank Johnson, sketch-writer extraordinary, who made fun of individual hon. Members without deriding Parliament itself; notes that he was never deferential to individual hon. Members but never disrespectful of the institution both he and they served, exposed humbug but valued sincerity, approached his journalistic assignment in this Palace for many years always with a smile on his face but never a sneer, deflated windbags while valuing genuine oratory; and further notes that his work enhanced democracy, and that, incidentally, he wrote like a dream.

Signatures by party: Conservative 15, Labour 14, Liberal Democrat 4, DUP 1.