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I'm reliably informed that former Lib Dem MP Julia Goldsworthy can expect an annual salary of at least £63,000 once she concludes her pay talks with new boss, Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander. The total cost of Special Advisors to the taxpayer in 2009/10 was . These are the same Special Advisors which, only nine months ago, Nick Clegg promised to remove as burdens on the public purse. At least they don't get expenses for £1,005 rocking chairs.

Sooner or later this Parliament will see its first by-election in a safe Conservative seat. As Julia herself has noted, the government's front bench is woefully short of women. Will Julia become the first "coalition" candidate? I wouldn't rule it out...