Last night, sitting in the chamber waiting to speak, I had that usual ‘sick in the pit of your stomach’ feeling that arrives when you know you are about to speak.

When the Speaker called my name, I was lifted to my feet by the cheers and support of my colleagues, and an overwhelming feeling of good will, which sustained me throughout.

I work with lovely people.

The Times described them today as my personal ‘marem’, the male version of a harem. I wish!

More later.