Politicians, their "brands" and tag lines

Having got into an interesting conversation on twitter with Clare Dudman earlier about civil liberties, the laws surrounding them and their application, I started thinking of the wider context.  We have lived through another week of some political controversy, even though our politicians are actually on holiday.  Alan Duncan's off the cuff comments about MPs now being on rations after some not-so-radical changes to expenses policy have further sparked the debate about whether the commons will still attract MPs of steely spines or a legion of yes-people in the future.

This led to me to thinking that some MPs will be long remembered for their own unique brands and tag lines.  Some of these will not exit at the next general election and some are already gone, but here are a few for whom I will remember their names on the basis of branding and tag lines and why:

David Davis (Conservative) for championing civil liberties and being anti-surveillance state.  Caused a costly by-election because of it and jeopardised his future political career in the process.

John Redwood (Conservative) for talking sense on the economy, the banks and quantitative easing during 2009 (and possibly before, but I came late to his party).

Vince Cable (LibDem), again a great commentator on the economy, banks etc., although I don't agree with everything he says and he is sometimes woolly.  Has become a media darling for his thoughts and even if I don't agree, I see the debate he stokes.  Media-darling days now drawing to a close, I believe.

Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) for always saying what she thinks which inspires trust.  You may not agree with everything she says, she may not agree entirely with all her own party's policies, but you know where you are with her.  Was more likely to say on Celebrity Fit Club, 'I'm not doing that. What do you think I am?' over 'Don't you know who I am?' any day of the week.  This is a woman finely attuned to her principles and beliefs.

The late Mo Mowlam (Labour) champion of resolution for Northern Ireland.  She also worked very hard on this while being treated for a brain tumour and it was only when her treatment became obvious that she went public on it.  Reported to have taken off her wig when in the cut and thrust of negotiations and to speak plainly; later suffered shameful smearing from her own party.  But she was given a job to which she was committed and achieved a result.  A wonderful example and begs the question, after the expenses row 'Who do we have now who is comparable?'  Answers on a postcard/in the comments please.

Norman Baker (LibDem) campaigned for more transparency on MPs' expenses before the proverbial hit the fan and the Daily Telegraph did its best to discredit him too.

Former MP Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru), who in the early days of Blair and while the Tories were starting a re-trenching process did his job in parliament and provided evidence of opposition, questioning Blair and his policies.  I wonder what he's up to these days?

I can't think of more, off the top of my head at the moment, but it's good to think that some will be remembered for their positive contributions to public life.

I might be naughty and list the ones I'll remember for less than positive reasons next week.  Off the top of my head again: that list is longer already...