Never mind about reform in the Commons; anyone wanting a new, improved, knockout version of prime minister’s questions should look to the Lords. No, this has nothing to do with Prime Minister Gordon Brown (obviously not – his question times tend to be tired affairs littered with own goals). I understand their lordships are thinking of holding their own PMQs – Peter Mandelson’s Questions. “It’ll be standing room only if it happens,” says one noble lord enthusiastically, adding: “My guess is that it will.”

I am told that the idea of a regular question time for Lord Mandelson is being discussed by the “usual channels” – the party whips. Apparently, prominent Tories are on board, not least Lord Strathclyde, the Tory leader. It seems that Labour’s Lady Royall, the leader of the Lords, has intimated that she is prepared to look at the plan.