Vicarious claims by association

Another week, another opinion poll - this time an ICM poll putting Labour way behind the Conservatives, with the Lib Dems trailing a weak third as usual.

And after Tony Blair's promise on leaving Number 10 to "remain loyal to Gordon Brown", Lord Michael Levy's autobiography claims he is "disappointed by Labour's slide" and feels that "Gordon Brown would lose an election to David Cameron".

But isn't this more about Lord Levy selling his book, which - devoid of any real public interest in his own comments - is trying desperately to notch up sales on the promise of salacious observations from more famous and interesting people?

Let Blair speak for himself if he feels a need, and let Levy's autobiography publicise Lord Levy - not vicarious claims by association.