It is important to remember, as tributes are paid to Michael Ancram on his announced retirement, that he never failed to take any opportunity available to bleed the taxpayer. The wealthy Most Honourable the Marquess of Lothian made sure that we were charged to the fullest extent to maintain his stately home.

Nor should you forget that he was so completely lacking in self awareness that he quite ridiculously put himself forward as one of the candidates for Tory leader last time round. As if…

Bear all that in mind when you read all the tributes…