Pity, if you can find it in your heart to do so, the poor Tory activist. The foot soldiers of the natural party of government, for so long used and abused by their masters in parliament. But, hey ho, while the Tories were in government or government in waiting, I don't suppose they minded too much, and there was always the promise of a visit from Heseltine or Archer on the cold chicken leg circuit.

Then along came William Hague, dragging the party kicking and screaming into some semblance of democracy by giving the rank and file a say in electing their leader. Okay, so their first choice wasn't a conspicuous success, but maybe they'd get it right next time.

But no. A hundred and sixty five of the worst performing MPs of all time decide they know best and foist a new leader upon them once again. A new leader whose chief qualification for the job is his popularity among those self same useless MPs.

Priceless.