Peter Mandelson Fails to Diffuse Expenses Row.

Crusty never likes to step into the world of politics too often - well, one simply doesn't have the correct shoes - but our MPs are certainly in a pickle at the moment, aren't they?

I recall some weeks back, when the furore first started, Lord Peter Lady-Peggy-on-a-Sunday Mandelson was being interviewed on television in an attempt to diffuse the allegations being made by the Daily Telegraph.

Crusty always feels uneasy about that one, poppets; each time he appears on one of my many flat screen T.V.s here at Crusty Hall (all paid for by me, incidentally), one can hear the holy water in the font of the Chapel at Crusty Hall bubbling violently...and has one noticed, over the years, how his mannerisms and tone of voice are morphing into those of Lady Thatcher's?

In some respects he reminds me of dear Dannniiiiiii Minge (sorry-my-keyboard's-sticking), that is to say very little facial animation north of the lip line. Crusty always wonders of he has had bollocks in his face? Perhaps receipts will be found amongst his expenses.

(Oh! Chu Me has informed me it is actually pronounced Botox!)