Derek calls house to order

Conservative speechwriter Derek called the Big Brother house to order on Saturday, demanding a meeting to discuss domestic issues from hygiene to bed

08:47 30 May 2005

Conservative speechwriter Derek called the Big Brother house to order on Saturday, demanding a meeting to discuss domestic issues from hygiene to bed times.

The 40-year-old contestant used all his powers of political persuasion as part of his mission to clean up the house, proposing a series of housekeeping motions to keep his housemates in line.

"I think we need to really decide what time lights go out in the bedroom." Derek told the others.

"And we've got to rigorously enforce it," he added, in an attempt to exert his authority over the group.

Derek even managed to silence the rumblings caused by Makosi's attempt to spark a rebellion.

The Zimbabwean-born nurse is on a secret Big Brother mission to save herself from eviction by getting the most nominations this week and tried to stir up trouble by objecting to Derek's motions.

After getting his fellow contestants to toe the line, Derek drew the meeting to a close, telling his housemates: "Now, we should all go about our business, we've got a very busy day ahead of us."

His political manoeuvring clearly impressed 19-year-old Kemal, who later told Derek he should be the next Conservative party leader.

During a heated political discussion in the bedroom, the Liverpool-based belly dancer said the Conservatives needed to elect a leader in touch with popular culture.

"Someone like you," he said, imagining Derek at the top of the political pile.

Derek, clearly pleased by Kemal's suggestion, hopes his time in the house will get people interested in politics, but also says he is keen to chill out and have a good time.

"Everybody should be able to have a part of their youth and look on it as misspent," he said.