Laughing Harriet?

by Graham Davies

Harriet Harman stood in for Gordon Brown today at Prime Minister's questions. Her opponent was William Hague, whose DNA is much more suited to the adrenalised rigours of spontaneous debate.

Of course, very little about PMQs is spontaneous, especially when Harriet is involved. She wielded the obligatory file of must-know-facts-and-figures in front of her as if it was a cross between a magic wand and insect repellent.

But she also made a valliant attempt to use a wepon not normally associated with Mz Harman: humour. When commentating on Hague's changed views, she said, "He is worse at reversing than I am".

I am delighted to say that this comic reference to her own recent driving difficulties fell totally flat. Harriet's presentation problem is that she takes herself so seriously, that no-one can take seriously her attempts NOT to.

It may take you 2 or 3 goes for you to understand the last sentence. That's how long it took me anyway.