Former Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson has sparked controversy by calling for a ban on lawyers and barristers becoming Members of Parliament.
The outspoken MP made the provocative remarks during an appearance on GB News, where he expressed strong criticism of legal professionals serving in Parliament.
Lee's comments represent a direct challenge to the traditional makeup of the House of Commons, where many MPs come from legal backgrounds.
His proposal would effectively bar an entire profession from serving in Parliament, marking a significant departure from current parliamentary norms.
Lee Anderson hit out on GB News
GB NEWS
The Reform MP argued that legal professionals in Parliament were contributing to ineffective governance, suggesting their presence was detrimental to decisive political action.
"If it were up to me, I would ban anybody who is a barrister or a lawyer being an MP," Anderson declared during the broadcast.
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Lee specifically targeted his own party in his criticism, stating "Even with the Conservative Party, there are too many lawyers as MPs."
He claimed legal professionals in Parliament "get tied up with this nonsense," suggesting their presence hinders effective decision-making.
His comments pointed to what he perceived as a lack of "political will" in Britain, directly attributing this to the presence of lawyers in Parliament.
The remarks represent a significant broadside against his own Conservative colleagues with legal backgrounds.
The matter was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
Lee's criticism appeared particularly focused on how legal professionals approach political challenges, suggesting their training may conflict with practical governance.
His stance implies a preference for MPs from non-legal backgrounds, whom he seemingly believes would be more direct in their approach to political issues.
Lee's criticism extended particularly to the handling of the migrant crisis, dismissing calls for safe routes as premature.
"People say we need safe routes. You can't have that until you stop people coming over on small boats," he stated on GB News.
The MP also derided parliamentary colleagues advocating for reducing asylum claim backlogs.
"These idiots in Parliament saying we need to get rid of the asylum claims backlog, what does that achieve?" he questioned.
His views received support from publican Adam Brooks during the discussion.
Brooks suggested the current system was too lenient, claiming "they're stamping everyone through."
He further alleged this approach was allowing dangerous individuals to enter Britain, specifically mentioning rapists and murderers.
