I spy

Alumnus to be proud of No: 33 is Rupert Allason, aka spy novelist Nigel West, aka the Hon Member (Conservative) for Torbay. Mr Allason's constancy, unbending support for open and honest government, willingness to put principle over short-term party advantage and to put his vote where his mouth is - so strikingly displayed in his conduct over the Scott report - were not, as one might have assumed, acquired at one of our ancient universities. Mr Allason's higher education was conducted at the University of Grenoble and subsequently through the venerable London external programme.