To put it gently, Tory AN Other was a wee bit crap at PMQs

We've reached the point where it feels as if Keir Starmer is out of the country for prime minister's questions at least once a month.

- John Crace

This week he has been in Rio, though not just for the G20. That had wrapped up in plenty of time for him to have made it back for PMQs. But why turn up jetlagged to face some awkward questions on inflation, farmers and winter fuel payments when you could extend your stay for another half-day to catch a football match? Call it a perk of the job.

So on Wednesday we were back to deputy PMQs. Angela Rayner vs AN Other. Kemi Badenoch has not got round to appointing a deputy best to keep everyone guessing.

First to be given an audition was Alex Who?, AKA the floppy-haired Alex Burghart to his friends and family. Though there are plenty of floppy-haired Tories to choose from. Telling you he's also the shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster probably doesn't help you narrow it down.

Never mind. All you need to know is he absolutely aced it.

Badenoch could stop the Tories Haven't Got Talent show right now and give Alex the job in perpetuity.

No party leader could have asked more of a stand-in. Because Alex was - how to put this gently? - a wee bit crap. And that's being kind.