By Paul Goodman

ConservativeHome – 15 May 2014

The final ’22 [1922 Committee meeting] of the session is traditionally addressed by the Party Leader.

David Cameron was unable to attend yesterday, so the Environment Secretary went in his place.

The first moments of his speech went roughly as follows:

Paterson: “Well, I’m sorry I’m not the Prime Minister –

Lewis: “ – So are we.”

(Laughter and applause.)

Missing out on the chairmanship of the Defence Committee earlier that afternoon clearly failed to dampen his spirits.