Eric Forth is having a good day so far, and it could get better. When Ming slowly stood up at PMQs (unsupported) to venture a question on pensions, the magnificent Forth heckled “Declare your interest!”, the whole house laughed and Ming was mortally punctured.

The expectation is that Eric will not vote with Blair and Cameron for the Education Bill tonight, which is what Blair was seeking, rather pathetically, to capitalise on. Dave retorted effectively that Blair should concentrate on whipping his own party and leave him to worry about whipping the Tory party.

Forth will do what he wants, but the hope is that he finds something other to do. You know, like give a few cyclists a kicking, send some children up chimneys or just basically any of his hobbies besides voting against Blair.