In 1983 I had to set up a studio debate between two new Conservative MPs on capital punishment for BBC Midlands Today. Peter Bruinvels had gleefully told Radio Leicester that he would happily act as hangman. For the opposing view, I eventually tracked down Alan Howarth.

After the debate at Broadcasting House, we shared a taxi back to the Commons. Bruinvels was very excited, bouncing up and down in his seat, recounting what he had told the radio station. There was an icy silence, then Howarth, looking down his long nose, said: “Do you know, Peter, if I was going to be hanged I think there’s no one I’d rather see on my last morning. You’re so damned cheerful about it…” Perhaps he was too fastidious for party politics.