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."Perhaps you could let me know if anything else comes up in the meantime." "Of course, delighted.The problem is that if one of our side were to die during the session, you couldn't desert your present seat because that would cause two byelections.We don't want a by-election in Coventry Cen- tral with you being accused of being a carpetbagger somewhere else." "Don't remind me," said Simon."I still think your best bet is to have a word with Charles Hampton.He must know the lay of the land in that neck of the woods." Two clich6s in one sentence, thought Simon.Thank heavens Mounfloy would never have to make a speech from the dispatch box.He thanked Sir Edward again and left Conservative Party headquarters.Charles had whittled down the fifty-nine anti-Common Market members to fifty-one, but he was now dealing with the hard kernel who seemed quite immune to cajolery or bullying.When he made his next report to 138FIRST AMONG EQUALSthe Chief Whip, Charles assured him that the number of Conservatives who would vote against entry into Europe was outnumbered by the Labourites who had declared they would support the Government.The Chief seemed pleased, but asked if Charles had made any progress with Pimkin's disciples."Those twelve mad right-wingers," said Charles sharply."They seeni to be willing to follow Pimkin even into the valley of death.I've tried everything, but they're still determined to vote against Europe whatever the cost." "The maddening thing is that that bloody nuisance Pimkin has nothing to lose," said the Chief Whip."His seat disappears at the end of this Parliament in the redistribution.I can't imagine anyone with his extreme views would find a constituency to select him, but by then he'll have done the damage." The Chief Whip.paused."If his twelve would even abstain, I would feel confident of advising the PM of victory." "The problem is to find a way of turning Pimkin into Judas and then urge him to lead the chosen twelve into our camp," said Charles."You achieve that, Charles, and we'd certainly win." Charles returned to the Whip's office to find Simon Kerslake waiting by his desk."I dropped by on the off chance, hoping you might be able to spare me a few moments," said Simon."Of course," said Charles, trying to sound welcoming."Take a seat." Simon sat down opposite him."You may have heard that I lose my constituency as a result of the Boundary Commission report, and Edward Mountjoy suggested I have a word with you about Littlehampton, the new seat that borders your constituency." "It does indeed," said Charles masking his surprise.fie had not considered the problem, as his own constituency was not affected by the Boundary Commission's 139FIRST AMONG EQUALSreport.He recovered quickly."I'll do everything I can to help.And how wise of Edward to send you to me." "Littlehampton would be ideal," said Simon."Especially while my wife is still working here in London." Charles raised his eyebrows."I don't think you've met Elizabeth.She's a doctor at St.Mary's," Simon explained."Yes, I see your problem.Why don't I start by having a word with Alexander Dalglish, the constituency chairman, and see what I can come up with?" "That would be extremely helpful." "Not at all.I'll call him at home this evening and find out what stage they've reached over selection, and then I'll put you in the picture." "I'd appreciate that." "While I've got you, let me give you 'The Whip' for next week," said Charles, passing over a sheet of paper, Simon folded it up and put it in his pocket."I'll call you the moment I have some news." Simon left feeling happier and a little guilty about his past prejudice concerning Charles, whom he watched disappear into the chamber to carry out his bench duty.In the chamber, the European issue had been given six days for debate by backbenchers, the longest period of time allocated to one motion in living memory.Charles strolled down the aisle leading to the front bench and took a seat on the end to check on another set of speeches.Tom Carson, the Labour member from Liverpool Dockside, was launching into a tirade of abuse against the Government.Charles rarely listened to Carson's left-wing rantings--and the under-the-breath remarks and coughing that continued during his speech proved Charles was not alone in his opinion.By the time Carson concluded, Charles had worked out a plan.He left the chamber, but instead of returning to the Whip's office, which afforded no privacy, he disappeared into one of the telephone booths near the clois140FIRST AMONG EQUALSters above the members' cloakroom.He checked the number in his book and dialed."Alexander, it's Charles.Charles Hampton." "Good to hear from you, Charles, it's been a long time.How are you?" "Well.And you?" "Can't complain.What can I do for a busy man like you?" "Wanted to chew over the new Sussex constituency with yoti--Littlehampton.How's your selection of a candidate going?" "They've left me to draw up a short list of six for final selection by the full committee in about ten days' time
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