David Purdue of the Events and Banqueting team in the Strangers dining room
In this episode, the controversial Speaker John Bercow runs into trouble with his own plans for reforming it. Wealthy Tory backbencher Zac Goldsmith tries to give voters the power to sack their MPs – and the Establishment tries to stop him.
We see the ongoing struggle to conserve the Victorian mock Gothic palace and anticipate the challenges of carrying out a multi-billion pound programme of restoration work whilst the House is sitting.
We follow David Purdue of the Events and Banqueting team who is part of a new initiative to raise money for the upkeep of the House by hosting fashion shows and film premieres inside the House.
At the end of a remarkable year, conflict continues between those who celebrate the Commons’ historic traditions and those who believe it needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century as MPs gear up for the General Election.
With many facing the prospect of losing their jobs, the ever-changing House of Commons will soon have a new intake of MPs, and new challenges to face.
Do you think the House of Commons needs to be dragged into the 21st century or are you happy with it as it is? Share your views in the comments below.
This episode airs on Tuesday 14th February at 9pm on BBC Two, and 11.50pm on BBC Scotland. Visit the BBC website for more details.
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