Paul Johnston

Saw poor old Ming in the House of Commons the other day. Seemed to be a shadow of his former self. He must now feel a bit like Charles Kennedy did a couple of years ago. I wonder what his Chief of Staff Ed Davey thinks about it all.

I thought Vince Cable was making a fair fist of his stand-in role, but was very disappointed that he saw fit to indulge in childish gesture politics over the banquet in honour of the King of Saudi Arabia. Apart from anything else it showed an inclination to put personal pique before the national interest - and very scant respect for the Queen, who had invited him. Ming, one feels, woukld have been more adult about it. Twickenham electors please note. 

As for the runners I am a little surprised at the narrowness of the field. I expected Simon Hughes to keep his head down after the last time and I didn't expect Mr. Oaten to resurface - one hears so little of him these days. The 'Bring Back Charlie' movement never had much of a chance but I did think David Laws of Yeovil might fancy his chances. He'll probably regret not putting his hat in the ring eventually - or is he worried about the challenge he faces from Kevin Davis?? Nick Clegg? Hmm....bit of a Tory by all accounts - that's probably how he won the former Tory seat of Hallam. Some of the Lib Dem blogs suggest a groundswell of support for Chris Huhne.......very courageous, considering the tiny swing to Conservative needed to take Eastleigh.

 If only Susan Kramer had stood............