Westminster wars...

THE biggest crisis at the Lib Dem conference was when the main hotel ran out of gin. The mystery is how it happened, given that their membership is barely in double figures.

so vErY sad as Tessa Jowell reveals she is battling brain cancer. Given all the charlatans in Westminster, she has always been a rare politician — genuine, loyal, principled and a great friend to many on both sides of the House. Tessa (pictured) tweeted: ‘Thank you for so much love and support. More people living longer better lives with cancer.’ Which is exactly what I wish for you, my friend. NO SURPRISE that more than 100 peers claim their £300 plus expenses a day while not taking part in debates. For most of them, the Lords is just a free posh club to impress cronies.

LABour’s unctuous deputy leader Tom Watson demands half of all political journalists should be women. I don’t think we need any lectures from the Labour Party, which has never had a female leader and whose most senior woman is the hapless Diane Abbott.