Party politics

One might have assumed that the Shadow Science Minister Robert Key would be pleased that party guests were speculating about whether Labour would put him in charge of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee after the general election. But the flattery didn't work. "Why does everyone assume that Labour is going to win?" he huffed.

Champagne and delicious food can smooth the path to many things. Hence, one vice-chancellor was overheard hinting broadly to another: "My daughter has just put in an application to study at your place you know."