Martin Linton is managing Peter Hain’s campaign for the deputy-leadership. Linton is the author of “The Swedish Road to Socialism” which the Swedes have just turned off. Could the reason the half-Swedish visionary is running the perma-tanned boy-racer’s campaign be something to do with the promise of a chicken run to a safe-seat if Hain wins? Last election his majority over the Tory was reduced to 163 votes.

Guido hears that the Tory short-list for the Battersea seat comprises 4 women and 2 non-white-males. Maude will be pleased…