LORD Rooker did at least attempt to lighten the mood when he confirmed to Peter Luff that Throckmorton had been selected for the asylum centre.
When Peter answered his mobile phone at 10.25am on Tuesday, Lord Rooker told him: "Hello, I have got some good news for you."
Despite all the leaks to the contrary, Peter's spirit was momentarily lifted. Until the punch line came.
"I am creating between 200 and 300 new jobs in your constituency," added Lord Rooker.
The jobs, Peter knew, were for the people building and running the asylum centre.
Earlier that day, Peter had found himself in the strange situation of being only one of two people in the House of Commons gym.
The second person was ... Lord Rooker.
Peter asked for early confirmation of the news, but Lord Rooker said he would have to wait a little longer.
"We had to spend the next 15 minutes or so exchanging small talk, when what we really wanted to be speaking about was the asylum centre," Peter said.
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