Last night’s Question Time programme on the Beeb offered a useful opportunity to compare David Dimbleby’s performance to that of newcomer – well, hugely experienced interviewer - John Humphrys.Result, in mock election result format. Dimbleby retains seat, newcomer puts up a brave performance but lacks the empathy with the audience. Unlikely to fight for seat again.

While I’m on the subject, here’s my quick take on the panelists performance.

• Will Self: Hugely self-regarding bore, sporting a new beard that makes him look like a Balkan warlord
• James Cracknell: Slightly unsteady delivery. A good value panelist, whose thoughtful contributions were well-regarded by the audience
• Pauline Neville-Jones: Interesting, there’s certainly fire inside her, though was most discomfited by Will Self’s attack. Needs to work on her defences.
• Shaun Woodward: Pretty obvious to see why Gordon Brown rates him so highly, with his repeated praise for Gordon. Slippery, slippery, slippery.
• Julia Goldsworthy: Skewered with ease by Humphrys on a Lib Dem policy of facing both ways. A political lightweight.