He did the “magic tragic” trick to calm the house first (paying condolences to Iraq war dead, stops the baying of the house). He then asked a more attacking question coupling Blair going with bringing the troops home. Better, but no cigar. He had to pull himself unsteadily up out of his seat and clasped his hands together to hide the shakes.

Prezza weathered some mocking heckles from the Tory benches when he addressed the Commons before PMQs. Nick Robinson has it right when he says that the Tories will be happy with Prezza remaining as DPM because it will cost Labour votes and provide an easy target for them. Who could miss a target as wide as Prezza?