One of Tony Blair's more unlikely wealthy supporters is Charlie Peel, the Old Etonian stockbroker who made millions when he and partner Chris Hunt sold Peel Hunt to a Belgian bank.

If Charlie is not careful he may be asked to ferry the PM around at the next general election campaign. Peel tells us proudly that, at fifty-something, he has just made his first solo helicopter flight en route to obtaining a licence. It was only six minutes long, so Biggles has another nine hours and 54 minutes of solo flight to go plus lots of exams to pass. When he succeeds, celebrations will be held at his local, The Bellevue, the Clapham pub which is part of the Peel private portfolio.