Never mind, George E. – you're in good company...

George Entwistle's 54 days as the BBC's Director-General might be considered short, but he lasted longer than many others in high-profile jobs.

He comfortably beat the 17 days David Laws managed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury before he resigned over his expenses in 2010.

Entwistle also beat Brian Clough's 44 days in his now infamous spell as manager of Leeds Utd in 1974.

Although not the shortest reign as head of the Catholic church, Pope John Paul I was pope for just 33 days before his death in 1978. The record for the shortest reign as a monarch is thought by many to be held by King Louis the XIXth of France, who, in 1830, was king for 20 minutes before abdicating.

But for an even briefer spell still we have to return to football and Leroy Rosenior's second spell at Torquay United. A mere 10 minutes after his appointment was announced, the club was taken over by a group of businessmen who informed Rosenior that his services were no longer required.