Clerical corner

William Hague's suggestion that Lord Mandelson could be made an archbishop met this response from former vicar Chris Bryant: "I am sure that he would not suffice with an archbishopric; after all, archbishops can be fallible."

Archbishop Mandelson and William Hague's in-laws

Another former Welsh Secretary is turning into the star of the dissolution debate.

William Hague has been making the most of Gordon Brown's recent difficulties and the unstoppable rise of Peter Mandelson.

The Commons filled noticeably as Mr Hague spoke: "The unelected Prime Minister has managed to produce the most powerful unelected deputy since Henry VIII appointed Cardinal Wolsey except Cardinal Wolsey was more sensitive in his handling of colleagues than Lord Mandelson."

Lord Mandelson, said the former Tory leader, had gone around collecting titles and even whole government departments, with eleven Ministers working under him. Mr Hague read out the full list of titles:

"The right honourable the Baron Mandelson of Foy in the county of Heredfordshire and Hartlepool in the county of Durham, First Secretary of State and and Lord President of the Privy Council and Secretary of State for Business and Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills.

"It would be no surprise to wake up in the morning and find he'dbecome an Archbishop".

Mr Hague also gave another insight into Hague family life, in exchanges with Conwy MP Betty Williams.

"I'm not afraid of any lady from Wales, other than my mother-in-law."

Myra Jenkins's response is not yet known.

Mandy's Shadow

It's not only David Hunt's former SPAD who's making news. The former Welsh Secretary himself is making a frontbench comeback in the Lords.

Lord Hunt of Wirral, as he now is, will be shadowing the future Lord Mandelson when the Business Secretary takes his seat in the upper house.

The future's bright?

More proof that orange is this year's black in the political world. This Wales Office photo shows Paul Murphy "getting on with the job" to borrow a Brownite phrase as the Cabinet reshuffle takes place.

I've been juggling childcare with news today (no reshuffle news on Balamory yet) so I'm not as plugged in as usual but it appears we can forget all the media predictions that Mr Murphy would be sacked as the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are merged.

There were always many reasons why that merger would have caused political and practical problems for Gordon Brown at the moment, even if it remains his long-term ambition.

After eight years reporting the speculation that this may happen, a few more months won't make much difference. For the time being at least, three jobs that have previously been part-time are now full-time Cabinet roles.

It's just possible that tomorrow's newspapers don't rate the survival of the Wales Office as the big story. Apparently some bloke from Brussels (via Hartlepool) is coming back into the Government.

I've heard arch critics of Gordon Brown describe Peter Mandelson's return as a masterstroke. Some Labour MPs aren't quite as joyful but it will certainly keep political hacks busy.