As the parliamentary term drew to a close, a unique set of accolades was unofficially bestowed upon a select group of MPs. These were not awards for constituency service or legislative prowess, but recognitions for their remarkable, often unquestioning, loyalty to the government's agenda throughout 2025.
The Staunch Government Defenders
John Slinger, the Labour MP for Rugby, was highlighted for his consistent support. His readiness to defend even the most unpopular policies with what was described as 'hymned adoration' drew particular attention. He summarised his position succinctly, stating, 'I am a Labour MP and I vote with the Government – it's as simple as that.'
Another Labour backbencher, Sarah Coombes of West Bromwich, was noted for her support of the government's controversial policy to reduce jury trials, a stance that put her at odds with many in her own party. Her political background includes previous work for Tom Watson and Sadiq Khan.
From the Conservative benches, Dr Kieran Mullan, the MP for Bexhill & Battle, earned a mention for his steadfast allegiance to Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, with observations suggesting an inseparable professional bond.
Backbench Performances and Clashes
The term was not without its parliamentary theatre. Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, faced a sharp rebuke from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. After he accused her of 'stoking division' with her asylum system overhaul, Mahmood retorted that she had endured racist abuse and told him to 'zip his patronising, middle-class lip'.
Catherine Atkinson, the Labour barrister and MP for Derby North, was recognised for her pro-government questions, delivered with a characteristic style before she 'resumes her seat, crosses those legs and flicks her long hair'. She has since been appointed as a parliamentary private secretary (a 'bag-carrier') at the Foreign Office.
Calvin Bailey, Labour MP for Leyton & Wanstead and a former RAF pilot, was cited for his enthusiasm for two contentious policies: the widely criticised Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the government's stance on the Chagos Islands.
The Independent Voices and Lords' Ire
Not all mentions were for blind loyalty. Some MPs were noted for their independent streaks. Brian Leishman, the Left-wing Labour MP for Alloa & Grangemouth, has challenged Ed Miliband on Net Zero policy, while Markus Campbell-Savours of Penrith & Solway leads a group of Labour MPs with agricultural seats opposing the family farms tax and calling for the sacking of Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
On the frontbench, farming minister Dame Angela Eagle was acknowledged for her flinty intellect and diligent preparation, even on difficult topics like farmer suicides. Meanwhile, trade minister Sir Christopher Bryant was described as cleverer and quicker than his colleagues, though his tendency to upstage them, such as Lisa Nandy and Peter Kyle, reportedly causes friction.
The piece concluded by noting that a previous column on bores in the House of Lords had provoked outrage from peers. They chastised the author for omitting the 'monotonous righteousness' of Lord Scriven, the 'tooth grinder' Lady Pinnock, former Defence Secretary Des Browne, and the 'nasal Foreign Office hauteur' of Lord Hannay, among others.
