91Èȱ¬

The inquiry into the Iraq war, headed by Sir John Chilcot, was the main focus of attention in Westminster.

on the Iraq inquiry so far, saying it "looks set to be boring, miasmic and faintly dishonest". He blames the make-up of the panel "that the toadiest of Blair toadies would have chosen":

"Will they do what they're told? Good God no. They are so well chosen they don't have to be told."

, referring to the panel as "Establishment puddings" while bemoaning the inquiry's "underwhelming" location.

"The only way you could tell the inquiry was starting was a small, plasticated sign on a stainless steel stand."

"Low ceilings. Dull carpets. Temporary office hell."

between the Iraq Inquiry and the Defence Select Committee's questioning of Bob Ainsworth on Afghanistan, comparing the two war-focused inquisitions. She notes that although initially interest surrounded Sir John Chilcot's session, which had "all the glamour, the TV, the press, the previews" it soon faded, unlike the defence questions:

"It was much more chaotic in the room with Bumbling Bob. Actually Bumbling Bob has had a change of consonant. He is now Mumbling Bob. I saw entire chunks of war zone disappear behind that little triangular moustache."

Any other business? David Wilby on Yesterday in Parliament picks up on the the new identity commissioner's appearance in front of a Commons Select Committee. He suggests that Sir Joseph Pilling "won't be out of pocket" after the former civil servant revealed his fee for the work - "£44,000 for six month's working for an average of half a week. He's also got a staff of four with a budget of £560,000".

the park from Westminster to the Political Studies Association awards, which he was hosting. There was no prize for politician of the year as "the judges thought it embarrassing even to name one". The award for political journalist of the year was scooped by Robert Peston, the 91Èȱ¬'s business editor, who Mr Hoggart reckons "has far more influence than most of us".

"Malcolm Tuckers of this world... tremble when Peston hits the airwaves with all the latest disasters."

•
•
•
• David Wilby | 91Èȱ¬ Yesterday in Parliament
•