Will Mellor’s girl get heritage job?

Will Penelope, Viscountess Cobham (pictured), finally get the job of chairman of English Heritage, the body that cares for historical buildings, following the death last week of Lord Bruce-Lockhart? Lady Cobham, the 54-year-old companion of the former Tory minister David Mellor, was thought to be a shoo-in the last time round and was disconsolate when her appointment was vetoed by the then culture secretary Tessa Jowell, who gave the job to Bruce-Lockhart instead.

As a staunch Tory, Bruce-Lockhart’s unexpected appointment went some way towards appeasing those who thought Jowell would install a Labour placeman - but not Lady Cobham. Discussing his appointment at the time, she told the Daily Telegraph: "He’s 70. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with being 70, but…"

Bruce-Lockhart was actually only 65 at the time. Question is, will Jowell block Cobham again? If she does, the key beneficiary is likely to Simon Thurley, EH’s chief executive and a part-time television presenter. It is believed he is keen to take on the role. Because he is standing in for Bruce-Lockhart in the interim, he must be seen as a key contender.