Veteran MP warns against parliament’s ‘temptations’
By Alex Stevenson Follow @alex__stevenson
Married MPs will have to be extra careful that they do not commit indiscretions in "the most beautiful parliament we've had in many years", Labour's Paul Flynn has warned.
The veteran parliamentarian, who was first elected to the Commons in 1987, told politics.co.uk in a podcast on charm, sex and politics that the fevered atmosphere of lawmaking in Westminster created "all kinds of dangers and temptations".
"There does seem to be an atmosphere in this strange place – possibly inevitably, because there's a large number of sexually active people who are present here," he said.
"Inevitably there will be dangers of couplings that might well be fruitful or beneficial, but others that might be potentially dangerous.
"I do cautiously suggest people have to be aware of the dangers of the disruption to family life. If they wish to stay married they're going to have to watch, as this is a place of all kind of dangers and temptations."
Seventy-six-year-old Mr Flynn is currently updating his book How To Be A Backbencher, which is set to include a chapter on MPs' sexual magnetism.
"It is a constant mystery to me when I see fellow MPs with no obvious signs of charm, whether they are not the ideal shape, they might be ugly in personality, mind or body, that do seem to have some attraction from the opposite sex," he said.
But he explained: "Successful people have a special attraction. If you're a successful deep-sea diver who's very good at that, or an all-in wrestler, you're attractive… at least MPs have won an election, so they have some appeal," he explained.
"Politicians generally have always had an allure – the attraction of being in power, in some sense of authority if they're in government," social scientist Catherine Hakim said.
"In all societies politicians have had a particular allure. It applies to a whole range of occupations – sportspersons that are successful in what they do, even if they're quite ugly, will be attractive to women."
Mr Flynn said sexual attractiveness was an essential part of a politicians' success.
"I think you'd be foolish to ignore the fact we are erotic animals," he explained.
"It would not be exceptional for a man or woman watching someone else speak to imagine what they'd be like in the hay. These things do happen."
The Newport MP suggested this may be a reason why Westminster is currently enjoying a "golden age" as far as physical beauty is concerned.
"We've had this invasion of stunning brunette goddesses on the Labour side and blonde goddesses on the Conservative side, with some male Adonises here and there," he said.
"I don't think it's been noticed that this parliament is probably distinguished… as being the most beautiful parliament we've had for many years."
