The politics of physicality

Well, it's a theory, I suppose. The New Statesman embraces the idea that the Tories are -literally - carrying too much baggage:

One rising star of the party, still looking for a seat at the next election, says: "We are too fat and too rich and we look like we don't give a shit." There are even whispers within the party that Cameron himself is looking too chubby, despite all the cycling. "We don't look like we want it. We are quite literally not hungry enough," the source said. The same younger Tories have been forced to recognise the talent of Brown's phalanx of young lieutenants. Man for man, pound for pound, they say, the shadow cabinet is roughly five years older and half a stone heavier.

While more exercise would probably benefit the Tory shadow cabinet, it is unlikely to be enough. In any case, it is worth bearing in mind that the removal of Mr Prescott was bound to lead to a sharp decline in the average weight of the Labour cabinet. And it remains to be seen if the boy Milliband and wee Dougie are actually up to the jobs they have been allocated, regardless of their no doubt admirable physical condition.

Besides, a little - we are being generous here - excess avoirdupois does not seem to have done Mr Salmond any harm.