Labour's Liz Kendall jokes about being 'godless' in 'hot mic' moment
Labour MP Liz Kendall admits she is ‘godless’ in light-hearted ‘hot mic’ moment in the Commons as MPs are sworn in
- Leicester West MP was spotted affirming her oath rather than swearing on bible
- Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden quizzed her, she replied: ‘I’m godless, sorry’
- Then added: ‘I’m the pagan Kendall, what can I do? My parents are so upset’
Labour veteran Liz Kendall joked about being ‘godless’ and upsetting her religious parents in a lighthearted moment caught on camera in the Commons last night.
The Leicester West MP – who stood for the party leadership in 2015 – attracted the attention of party colleagues Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden after affirming her oath of office rather than using the bible or a similar religious book.
They were among the hundreds of MPs who patiently queued in the Commons chamber yesterday and today to be sworn in before tomorrow’s State Opening of Parliament.
Leeds MP Ms Reeves could be head asking: ‘Don’t you believe in God?’
To which Ms Kendall, 48, said: ‘No. I’m godless. Yep, sorry guys.’
The Leicester West MP attracted the attention of party colleagues Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden after affirming her oath of office rather than using the bible
Leeds MP Ms Reeves could be head asking: ‘Don’t you believe in god?’ To which Ms Kendall, 48, said: ‘No. I’m godless. Yep, sorry guys’
Ms Kendall then put her hand over the microphone normally used to pick up the words of ministers speaking at the Despatch Box, in an unsuccessful effort to block it
Ms Reeves could then be heard saying: ‘Me and Pat are going to be taking the Bible.
‘We’ve got two Bibles, haven’t we Pat?’
Ms Kendall then put her hand over the microphone normally used to pick up the words of ministers speaking at the Despatch Box, in an effort to block it.
But it did not stop people watching the process online from being able to hear her say: ‘I’m the pagan Kendall, what can I do? My parents are so upset. I’m not a pagan, but you know what I mean.’
MPs are sworn in using an oath set out in the Promissory Oaths Act 1868.
They can hold a religious book and say: I (name of Member) swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.’
But atheist members have the option to affirm by saying: ‘I (name of Member) do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law.’
The oath must first be taken in English but can then be taken in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic or Cornish additionally.
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