Term

Lord Patten confirmed yesterday that he's not seeking a second term as BBC Chairman. Four years will put him behind Sir Michael Lyons, in terms of post-war post-holders. Leading the league table is Duke Hussey (ten years), and Lord Hill of Luton and Sir Michael Swann, both on six years, with Sir Arthur fforde on five.

The four years will be "up" in May 2015 - just before Lord Patten's 71st birthday - though there may be a need for some extension, if we're in an election campaign. He says he's going to write books  - some available on your right - but not about his time at the BBC. Which is a shame, because it'd be a hoot, and an undoubted bestseller.

Now, the enjoyment of the next couple of years relies on the next appointment - can Chris find a congenial, confident, common-sense businessman to replace Anthony Fry as Trustee-money-minder and share a glass of good red ?