Alun Michael kicked off what he calls his devolution tour of Wales with a public meeting in Newport on Friday.

Further meetings are planned the length and breadth of Wales as Mr Michael seeks to explain his vision of devolution.

It may also have another purpose - Mr Michael needs to find himself a constituency, as Cardiff South and Penarth has already been taken.

The word is that Mr Michael's team is eyeing the seats elected by proportional representation - possibly in Mid and West Wales.

Alun Michael has been busy raising his profile in the Commons, making a statement on NHS Trusts and winding up a debate on the Queen's Speech.

The latter saw him pitched against Tory spokesman Liam Fox, one of the Opposition's rising stars.

Welcoming Mr Michael to the debate, tongue-in-cheek, Dr Fox congratulated him on his "shotgun wedding" with the Wales Labour Party. Tony Blair was cast in the role of father of the bride.

Welsh Liberal Democrats are currently on tenterhooks as they await the first initiative of their would-be assembly leader, Michael German - a reshuffle.

Although Mr German does not have that many cards in his pack, he is expected to freshen up his team for the run-up to the assembly elections.

Details are sketchy but the party's Montgomeryshire candidate, farmer Mick Bates, can expect the agricultural brief.

Home Office Minister Lord Williams of Mostyn is looking forward to Christmas - dispelling fears that the Lords might sit on Boxing Day.

Lord Williams told peers he was aghast at reports of the plan - because he hadn't told his wife.