Cable quicksteps out of the hot seat

In just two months as the Liberal Democrats' stand-in leader, Vince Cable has boycotted a major world power, cracked the best joke yet about Gordon Brown and brought Strictly Come Dancing into national politics. Mr Cable is assured of his position as deputy leader after winning plaudits for landing blows on the Government during his stint as caretaker.

He won loud applause from MPs yesterday for his performances in the Commons, including his attack on Mr Brown when he likened him to the bumbling comic character, Mr Bean. The keen ballroom dancer joked yesterday that he had gained a new role as a commentator on Strictly Come Dancing.

But his services will be in much demand from the party's new leader. Mr Cable rejected calls to stand as leader, arguing that Sir Menzies Campbell's treatment by the media proved that no one of his age could be accepted. But his success in the Commons led some to call for members to write his name on to the ballot papers.