Word reaches me that the St. Stephen’s Club in Westminster is set to close at the end of the year due to falling membership and lack of revenue. This fine old Tory Club was formed by Benjamin Disraeli in 1870 and was originally housed where Portcullis House now stands, before moving to its current location on Queen Anne Gate. I hear that the management committee reluctantly decided to call time last week.
The bad news comes as the Club celebrates its 50th anniversary in its current home (being opened by then Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1962). The club shot to fame in 2010 as the favoured location for David Cameron’s press conferences during the coalition negotiations. It was from a podium in the dining room that young Dave made his ‘big, open and comprehensive offer’ to Nick Clegg.
Unlike the government, Mr Steerpike hears it is not too late for a white knight to ride to the club’s rescue.
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