In order to evaluate a slogan or catchphrase, I translate it into Basque and see if it will work as the title for a song. And it does. Rather perfectly, in fact (had to supply the verb, though).

Only one difficulty. It tends to suggest that (1) Ming is envisaged as a caretaker leader, and (2) the motives of his key supporters are to some extent Machiavellian.

We need to see more of Ming the statesman, Ming the communicator, Ming the man of honour and principle who rises above the fray.

Unfortunately, his campaign looks a bit of a dog’s breakfast at the moment. That is because too many cooks are spoiling the broth. They just haven’t thought it through.

If Ming wins (and I think he will), it will be because he is known and liked. Simon will come second, because he is known and generally liked, but has a poorer reputation for competence and statesmanship than Ming.

Chris Huhne won’t win. He may well be a marvellous man, but the electors don’t know him. However many heavyweight backers he accumulates, members will not vote for someone they barely know.

For my part, I wouldn’t even recognise his voice.

But I think he’ll get more than the 5% I predicted a few days ago.