Writing in The Times last week, Mary Ann Sieghart claimed Maude was caught plotting with Stephen Dorrell and Andrew Tyrie to get Andrew Lansley to run as the modernisers’ candidate. Maude told the Indy it was “pure fantasy” – Guido did wonder why they would choose Lansley, a latter day Major type figure. She also said Willets ought to be leader.

So she was wrong on both counts.