Remembering a bold Parliamentarian
One of the best-known luminaries of the House of Lords is commemorated in .
This likeness of Lord Longford, minister, moralist and campaigner was painted in 1973 by artist Cécile Crombeke. It was been donated to the House of Lords by Lord Longford's daughter, the historian and biographer, Lady Antonia Fraser (pictured here).
It will hang in the Peers' Dining Room alongside other portraits of peers including Lord Falconer and Baroness Shirley Williams.
The portrait is the product of five sittings with the artist, and was never seen by Lord Longford. It was accepted as a way of marking his contribution over decades to the work of the Lords. He had a substantial political career as a minister under Atlee and Wilson, rising to lead the Lords and serve as Secretary of State for the Colonies, but it was his religious views that made him a national figure.
He campaigned for the release of the Moors murderer, Myra Hindley, having visited her in prison. He argued she had repented her sins, was a changed person and no threat to society. He made similar representations about a number of other criminals
All in all, just the kind of utter independence of mind and fearlessness needed in a Parliamentarian.
I'm Mark D'Arcy and I'll be writing about what goes on in the chambers and committee rooms at Westminster.
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