“An MP had been elected as a Unionist candidate, but when Parliament re-assembled, he had immediately "crossed the floor" without seeking re-election.Smith said:"He entered the House not on the crest of a wave, but rather by means of an opportune dive. Everyone in the House must appreciate his presence, for there could be no greater compliment paid to it than that he should be in our midst, when his heart is far away. And it should be obvious to all who know the honourable gentleman's scrupulous sense of honour, that his one desire at present is to be amongst his constituents, who are understood to be at least as anxious to meet him."”

— F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead

Legal Life and Humour (1916), edited by Joseph Heighton, p. 49

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F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead 27

British politician 1872–1930

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