Rise of the well cited

The Diary strikes again. Just weeks ago it suggested that those seeking promotion might like to note that Tim O'Shea became principal of the University of Edinburgh after many appearances in this column.

Now Andrew Pakes, spokesman for the Association of University Teachers - this is his fourth appearance in this column in as many months - is off to join the Labour Party as head of political research. He follows his former boss, David Triesman, now Labour's general secretary.