The (82 year-old) Lord Speaker Norman Fowler will announce later today that he is moving out of the capital to return to his Isle of Wight home, effective immediately. Guido understands that his immediate deputy, septuagenarian Senior Deputy Speaker Lord McFall has already retreated to Scotland, so woolsack duties in the chamber will be taken on by the Lord Speaker’s third deputy, The (57 year-old) Earl of Kinnoull. Fowler will continue to decide on urgent questions and make other decisions about the running of the Lords remotely…
Lords sources are hoping this example will encourage the more obstinate and vulnerable members to stop coming in to work. Guido understands aides this week have been spending a lot of time trying to convince elderly peers to stay away. In his speech later today, Fowler will reference the HIV/AIDS crisis, emphasising the importance of following medical advice. Lords would do well to listen…
UPDATE: Perhaps the Government should have listened to the advice of the Lord Speaker before it appointed 70 year-old Gerry Grimstone as a new investment minister yesterday…
UPDATE II:Here’s the clip:
The Lord Speaker, tells peers that the "best course to take in the present crisis" is to follow advice on social distancing.
— BBC Parliament (@BBCParliament) March 19, 2020
Lord Fowler, who is 83, says he's "reluctantly" withdrawing from the Lords "for the time being" and working from home. pic.twitter.com/ydtNjwlUqr
