On the subject of Boris... as opposed to tax arrangements etc.

Whatever his policies, whatever his person, whatever his background...

1. His book The Dream of Rome is perhaps one of the most thoughtful well written books I have enjoyed in a long time.

2. His car reviews used to make me chuckle.

The problem is that both he and Livingstone are characters, and we need more of them instead of the faceless spokesmen for PR spinners. A pity in some ways that two colourful characters had to be in for the same job.

That said, Boris running the country? Nah, the civil servants would never have it. Cameron is safe for the time being. At least until we have a leader of the opposition to weigh up against him.