Same old problem, same old solution

Today's Western Mail follows on from earlier ponderings by David Cornock that Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan is toast come the reshuffle. The prevailing view is that she will be unable to retain the position if she opposes government plans for high speed train links affecting her constituency. Another interesting perspective is that she has gone just a little too native for Whitehall's liking.

The supposed certainty of her exit is said to have prompted First Minister Carwyn Jones to bypass Mrs Gillan and make a direct approach to the PM over electoral wrangles about the future number of AMs.

Come her departure however Conservatives will be stuck with the same old quasi-colonial problem of having to import a new Secretary of State as there is no Welsh MP worth a tonk capable of taking up the post.

The result is that the favourite to replace Cheshire MP Gillan is minister for the disabled Maria Miller who once attended Brynteg Comprehensive School in Bridgend (apparently). And as Mr Cornock points out, there is already precedent for that particular career path.

Ah, the good old days.