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Tessa Jowell And 5 Other Politicians Who Are National Treasures

Tessa Jowell And 5 Other Politicians Who Are National Treasures
The Huffington Post UK

Long serving Labour MP Tessa Jowell announced she is to step down from parliament in 2015, after a long Commons career that saw her, as culture secretary, convince Tony Blair to back London's bid for the Olympics.

The Dulwich and West Norwood MP, who was recently made a Dame, received good wishes from all sides of the political spectrum and was described as a "national treasure" by The Daily Telegraph. That got HuffPost UK thinking, which other politicians can truly be said to have achieved national treasure status?

Political National Treasures
Tessa Jowell(01 of06)
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London got to host the Olympic Games because of Dame Tessa Jowell. Treasure. (credit:PA)
Tony Benn(02 of06)
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A member of parliament for 50 years. Such was his impact he has his own brand of politics. To be "Bennite" was to be left-wing. And perhaps also have a brilliant voice. Treasure. (credit:Getty Images)
Ken Clarke(03 of06)
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Ken Clarke has been an MP since 1970 and it feels like has been in government for ever. The cabinet secretary without portfolio has taken on the role of an elder statesman, while still being in power. Also, good hush puppies. Treasure. (credit:PA)
Sir Peter Tapsell(04 of06)
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Sir Peter Tapsell was born in 1930, and as the oldest MP is the father of the House. His long winded questions to ministers that span the ages, as well as take an age, draw loving mockery from his fellow MPs. Treasure. (credit:PA)
Baroness Shirley Williams(05 of06)
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Shirley Williams was first elected as a Labour MP before breaking away from the party to form the SDP. Now a Lib Dem peer, the 83-year-old is combative as ever. Williams has also appeared on Question Time more than anyone else. Treasure. (credit:PA)
Dennis Skinner(06 of06)
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The Beast of Bolsover is king, or should that be dear leader, of the left-wing awkward squad on the Labour benches. Famous for his passion, Skinner also does a good line in gags during the Queen's Speech. Treasure. (credit:PA)

SEE ALSO: Who Is It? Tessa Jowell Or Harriet Harman?

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