There is an area of countryside six miles south-west of Stratford-upon-Avon that is particularly picturesque. It boasts elegant views of the Cotswolds, and fine country lanes that meander around green pastures. Stand still long enough and you can almost hear the sound of "Jerusalem". It could not be more English.

When Boris Johnson was elected Mayor of London, I was devastated. Politically, Boris and his chums don't stand for the same things I do, and while Ken could prove to be a bit of an unknown quantity, I admired his principles and his ability to get things done.