Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The top ten: Unisex names of MPs

 

John Rentoul
Saturday 23 November 2013 20:00 EST
Comments
What's in a name: Labour MP Hilary Benn
What's in a name: Labour MP Hilary Benn (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When Cara Hilton won a Scottish Parliament by-election last month, David Mills asked whether there had ever been an MP called Cara. The Labour History Group said no, but there had been a Carol, who was a man. Thus this list was born...

1. Ray Michie Female, Liberal Democrat, 1987-2001. One of four women in this list. (Thanks to David Mills.)

2. Robin Cook Male, Labour, 1974-2005. Nominated by Kieran C.

3. Carol Mather Male, soldier and Conservative MP, 1970-1987, who said of Douglas Hurd's German-style coat, "Last time I saw anyone wearing a coat like that, I shot him."

4. Mervyn Pike Female, Conservative, 1956-1974, after which she became chairman of the Women's Royal Voluntary Reserve.

5. Meredith Titterington Male, Labour, 1945-1949.

6. Evelyn Emmet Female, Conservative, 1955-1965. Unlike Evelyns King (Labour, 1945-1950, then Conservative, 1964-79) and Walkden (Labour, 1941-1950), who were male

7. Beverley Baxter Male, Conservative, 1935-1964, and editor of the Daily Express from 1929- 1933. With thanks to David Boothroyd.

8. Hilary Benn Male, Labour, 1999-present. With Kerry McCarthy, female, Labour, 2005-present, the only current MPs

9. Hyacinth Morgan Male, Labour, 1929-1931 and 1940-1955. Thanks to Labour History Group.

10. Jocelyn Cadbury Male, Conservative, 1979-1982. Thanks to David Boothroyd

Next week: Monarchs of England 1066-1707

Coming soon: Trollemics: 'deliberately over-the-top arguments designed to generate controversy'. Send your suggestions (by 3 December), along with ideas for any future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in