Political Philosophy? Blair's Lips Parted in a Sickly Grin

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Byline: QUENTIN LETTS

SOMETHING shocking, possibly inexcusable, happened at the start of Prime Minister's Questions. A Labour MP asked Tony Blair to describe his ' political philosophy'.

Eyeballs bulged. Mouths sucked in the air and Government backbenchers' lips formed small 'o' shapes of astonishment.

The man with the gall to seek such information was Tony McWalter (Hemel Hempstead), an almost unknown backbencher who started the day with little chance of promotion to Government. He ended it with none.

It started harmlessly enough.

Mr McWalter, owner of a pleasing little potbelly and a florid face, was number one on the Order Paper.