More from Stoneleigh

Given the popularity of the photos posted yesterday here are some more...

A weekend at Stoneleigh Abbey

A small selection of Terry Morris's wonderful photos from last weekend...

A weekend in the country

To Parrox Hall for a fabulous weekend with Harold, Rebecca and a host of other interesting people. This bit of Lancashire has a windswept beauty of big skies, black soil and ancient villages. Parrox, Harold's ancestral home, is an unspoilt house complete with its Jacobean furniture, panelling and flags. Even the country house uber-snob Hugh Massingbeard praised its intactness. One or other of the four poster bed, damson gin or the Parrox ghosts delivered me to some of the best sleep I have had in ages. Much needed.

The weekend passed with roaring fires, a little roaring drunken-ness, good dinners, a bracing shoot and fine company. Apart from an unfortunate duck, the wildlife of North Lancashire remained relatively unscathed by my gun. Honour was served all round.

Economical with the Werrity?

In many ways Liam Fox has played a blinder -- he is still there toughing it out and sounding both contrite and outraged at the same time. He was good in the House yesterday. At the weekend Tories I was speaking to gave him until Tuesday, today in other words. He hasn't gone yet (11.00am).

Do not let discussions of his -- up till now excellent -- performances, however, obscure some of the quite amazing revelations. The 40 meetings, including 18 overseas trips; the warnings; the business card; the sudden transformation of Mr Werrity's expertise from health policy to defence; the lack of business success in Mr Werrity's enterprises; the decision of a well-to-do politician to take in a lodger in his Parliamentary expenses-supported flat; the chance meeting in Dubai that needed such careful planning; and of course the twists and turns in explanations of all the above.

The ultimate question usually comes down to being one of judgement rather than misdeed. That is the one that really does make me wonder.

And finally, Mrs Liam Fox appears to have disappeared. Where is his loyal Tory wife when he needs her?