Please apply to be the next Bill Purdie

9:28am Friday 1st February 2008

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A LOT has already been written in the Bucks Free Press about the death of prolific letter-writer Bill Purdie, but I suppose it wouldn't do for this column to overlook his passing.

For Bill was one of the greats, if not the greatest, in terms of standing up and railing against the system.

I'm well-known for throwing rotten tomatoes at the establishment, but I have to admit I do it from the comfort of my typewriter in my ivory tower.

Yes, I mingle quietly with the population and am reasonably well-informed, but old Bill was unique: a true man of the people who fought the great fight from both the inside and the outside.

He often launched scathing attacks on Bucks politicians, but unlike most council critics, he actually knew what he was talking about.

Bill was one of those rare breed of attack dogs who actually bothered to turn up to council meetings.

He mingled with the elite, but still had the courage of his convictions to go for their jugular when the occasion arose.

In other words, we have probably seen the last of an extinct species: a critic who showed no fear but actually knew what he was talking about as well.

People such as Purdie are as essential to the democratic system as are MPs, mayors and council leaders.

Yet I see no more of his ilk coming through to replace him in this brave new polite PC world.

So today I launch an appeal to find the next great rebel. Call it Purdie Idol if you want, but please take the following job advert seriously.

Wanted: an acid-tongued anti-establishment intellectual to give our councillors a regular boot up the backside. Salary: nil. Job satisfaction: total joy. Please apply within.