To New Zealand House, where Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith was clearly thrilled at being New Zealand’s new High Commissioner to London. As he directed a media gathering to the stunning views of “this great city” from the 17th-floor penthouse, Smith pointed to the House of Commons, enthusing about “a bastion of democracy, so full of history”. He then promptly broke into song — a ditty about “Humphrey the fun-loving bear”.
Kiwis among the throng laughed knowingly but the startled Londoner needed an explanation. Smith used to be a children’s TV presenter and Humphrey a favourite character Down Under.
Smith soon tired of such fun to become an MP and the Speaker in the New Zealand Parliament. He is acquainted with John Bercow, so one wonders whether he might persuade him to adopt this singing lark in the Commons. “What a funny old fellow is Humphrey/He gets in all manner of strife/He leads a very exciting life ...” Just like our own dear Speaker.
