PMQs

Whenever I can I watch PMQs and occasionally make observations here. However, I have now come across a blog that looks at what happens in detail and makes informed and interesting comments, particularly about where a given MP is coming from. You can find it here: PMQs

An interesting comment about Alan Beith being in his 'twilight years'. He could presumably have gone to the Lords, but perhaps he thought that the Speaker might get into trouble and he could have another bite at that particular cherry.

I knew Alan Beith quite well when he was a political scientist, although he was one of those political scientists who is an academic while they are waiting to get into Parliament, not that there is anything wrong with that (and he took quite a perilous route). He wrote an autobiography a couple of years ago and I quote from it in my forthcoming history of the Political Studies Association.

The last time I ran across him was at No.11 Downing Street during the Blair-Brown transition period.

Hughes favourite in deputy leader race

Left-leaning Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes is emerging as the hot favourite in the contest for Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems, a potentially more significant post in current circumstances. The post became vacant after the resignation of Vince 'Mr Grumpy' Cable who is focusing on his role as Business Secretary.

Hughes has already asked an awkward question of 'The Governent' in the Commons and could become the focus of discontent among Liberal activists, particularly as Conservative backbenchers and the right-wing press are trying to water down an increase in capital gains tax.

Lib Dem starlet Jo Swinson disappointed her many fans when she tweeted: 'surprised & touched by lovely tweets & emails encouraging me to run for Lib Dem deputy leader - however I will not be standing'.

For many years the post was held by veteran MP and former political scientist Alan Beith. Beith played a pivotal role in coalition discussions in the Lib Dem parliamentary party when he drew on his frustrating experience with the Lib-Lab pact to suggest that a full coalition was the only viable option.