Public service.

The 72 year old Kenneth Clarke is still in the Cabinet after 23 years of public service. There are only a few ahead of him in that race - Churchill, Balfour, Butler, Duke of Devonshire and Clarke. He has served under four prime ministers - Heath, Thatcher, Major and now Cameron. How has he lasted so long in the bear pit of British politics? Two reasons I think - firstly he is not a schemer and plotter for the top job, secondly he has a personality that takes things in a relaxed manner. Although he does care and has a number of passions, not least cricket, jazz and a cigar, he doesn't get overwrought. He is also a lover of brown suede shoes. So taken together he is a public servant that we should all be pleased has had such a long and durable time on the green benches of politics. Will he eventually end up in the - other place on the red benches?