Quentin Letts

Mr Francois, a man of emphatic patriotism, cited Rudyard Kipling's Tommy poem - the one in which Kipling notes the propensity of our elite to exploit stoical infantrymen.

Every month or so Kemi Badenoch delivers a weekday morning speech in London. Every month they need a bigger venue as more Tory supporters turn out to have a gawp at this tiny, trenchant figure.

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Mount Hoyle erupted seconds after the end of Prime Minister's Questions. It was one of the most volcanic discharges the Commons has known.

Mount Hoyle erupted seconds after the end of Prime Minister's Questions. It was one of the most volcanic discharges the Commons has known.

Britain's energy policy is often ascribed to 'Red' Ed Miliband and his amanuensis Miatta Fahnbulleh, who has succeeded him as Energy Secretary. But they did not do it alone.

Was it really only 100 days ago that unhappy donkey Sir Keir Starmer was led to the glue factory? In sauntered Eyelashes Andy, the mayor with a touch of daytime TV

The day began with terrific news for gherkin-eaters. The Trade Secretary disclosed that the Government would ease tariffs on baked beans, chocolate and... gherkins.

Lassitude lapped at Westminster's doors. Little else stirred. John Healey was on his hooves for the greatest moment of his life and it had all the dramatic bite of cotton wool.

The morning after a Budget, Chancellors used to tour Westminster's broadcasting studios. John Healey broke with that custom and recorded his interviews at teatime on Wednesday.