The minister with no voice
The minister for equalities was on the front bench at Home Office questions today.
However, observers were puzzled when Lynne Featherstone did not answer any.
Her boss, home secretary Theresa May, explained why.
She told the House that Featherstone, whose distinct tones have been described as "more of a nasal mew, yet quirky enough to be bearable", has lost her voice.
Mr Speaker said he "hopes she recovers her voice before very long".
Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander appeared a few minutes later and sat on the frontbench beside Featherstone - she managed to exchange a few words with him.
And Danny, who has had a tough weekend what with being described as a 'ginger rodent' by Harriet Harman, was given a supportive slap on the shoulder by David Cameron when he arrived in the chamber just before his statement on the European Council.
A sign of prime ministerial approval if ever there was one.
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