Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

Andrew Lansley’s international role in public service remains a mystery

Coffee House apologises unreservedly for keeping readers in suspense for two days about Andrew Lansley’s mysterious international role in public service. Yesterday, Number 10 did tell us that discussions were ‘ongoing’, which could suggest advisers are still discussing what on earth they could give to the ex-minister. His valedictory letter may have been the first that Downing Street had heard about this international role in public service.

But today William Hague gave us a further glimmer of hope when he paid tribute to his predecessor as Leader of the House. He said:

‘I would also like to thank my predecessor as leader of the House, my right honourable friend the member for South Cambridgeshire… I wish him well for the future and a continuing major contribution to public life.’

‘Ooh!’ shouted MPs. But Hague wouldn’t elaborate any further. Perhaps those discussions are still ongoing.

P.S. Today’s Mail tips him to replace Baroness Amos as the UN’s under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs. Hopefully he won’t propose any top-down reorganisations of the world

Isabel Hardman
Written by
Isabel Hardman
Isabel Hardman is assistant editor of The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians. She also presents Radio 4’s Week in Westminster.

This article originally appeared in the UK edition

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