Of the 20-odd Tory MPs stepping down at the next election a quarter are called Michael.
Michael Mates, Michael Howard, Michael Jack and Michael Spicer are all on their way out.
And now it transpires that Michael Ancram (pictured above) is likely to leave before next year – according to the ConservativeHome website.
A co-incidence? Or something more sinister?
UPDATE
A concerned reader writes in to ask whether Tory MP Michael Fallon is also heading for green pastures. The answer is no. At least I hope not; Fallon is on track to become a forceful select committee chair (Treasury) when John McFall departs.
FURTHER UPDATE
More on the Telegraph website about Ancram’s departure
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
