What they’re saying in the bars of Westminster about Ming’s departure

So whodunit? That’s the question in the bars at Westminster, where an excited Commons has just finished voting. Fingers are being pointed at the impatient Chris Huhne, with co-conspirators in the Lords. Lib Dem MPs seem genuinely stunned. The most popular theory (in Strangers’ Bar at least) is that Ming realised he was done for and wanted to quit before a messy and ignominious assassination. Then he flew back to Edinburgh in a “to hell with you all” type of mood. If this is true, it’s unwise of him not to make his own statement. But he never did have a feel for political theatrics. And this, of course, was the bulk of his problem.

Ps I am sad to report that Gabriela “Cheeky Girl” Irmina remains unmoved at 500-1 to succeed Ming. Some parties have no sense of adventure.