First outing at PMQs today for the new Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg. It was a hesitant, but competent, effort.
Clegg has decided to eschew the traditional Lib Dem leader’s seat immediately below the gangway, preferring instead to sit three seats along on the front bench.
Some have speculated that this is because Clegg wishes to surround himself with friends, but my suspicion is that he is simply anxious to avoid the fate that befell Ming Campbell at the hands of the incomparable Eric Forth, late Tory member for Bromley and Chislehurst.
On a celebrated occasion in March, 2006, Ming rose to his feet and began a question to Tony Blair on the giving of “accurate and complete information about pensions”.
No sooner had the word “pensions” left Ming’s lips than Eric interjected, “Declare your interest!”
The entire House fell about for what seemed an eternity, leaving poor Ming blinking helplessly amid the laughter. It was probably this single incident that bestowed on him a reputation for elderly feebleness, from which he never recovered.
Nick Robinson subsequently congratulated Eric on his comic timing and was let in on the secret:
“It was easy, he told me. Ming's speaking notes were written in huge block capitals which were easy to read from Eric's place one row behind him.”
Eric, sadly, is no longer with us, but it seems that Clegg has learned the lesson of the episode and is not disposed to take any chances.
Clegg has decided to eschew the traditional Lib Dem leader’s seat immediately below the gangway, preferring instead to sit three seats along on the front bench.
Some have speculated that this is because Clegg wishes to surround himself with friends, but my suspicion is that he is simply anxious to avoid the fate that befell Ming Campbell at the hands of the incomparable Eric Forth, late Tory member for Bromley and Chislehurst.
On a celebrated occasion in March, 2006, Ming rose to his feet and began a question to Tony Blair on the giving of “accurate and complete information about pensions”.
No sooner had the word “pensions” left Ming’s lips than Eric interjected, “Declare your interest!”
The entire House fell about for what seemed an eternity, leaving poor Ming blinking helplessly amid the laughter. It was probably this single incident that bestowed on him a reputation for elderly feebleness, from which he never recovered.
Nick Robinson subsequently congratulated Eric on his comic timing and was let in on the secret:
“It was easy, he told me. Ming's speaking notes were written in huge block capitals which were easy to read from Eric's place one row behind him.”
Eric, sadly, is no longer with us, but it seems that Clegg has learned the lesson of the episode and is not disposed to take any chances.
