Cash For Answers

However the money was not from Harrod's owner, Mohammed Al Fayed, but from the BBC. The Hamiltons were handed the large brown envelopes after appearing on the satirical quiz show Have I Got News For You?

Haven't I done this before?

Neil and Christine Hamilton laughed off their political downfall as they braved the non-stop jibes from team leaders Ian Hislop and Paul Merton about the Conservative election defeat and about the cash-for-questions allegations.

The pair, who will both be paid appearance fees of around £750, also became the first couple to appear on the programme as "one guest".

Mrs Hamilton had originally been asked to appear on her own, but her husband decided at the last moment that he would go on with her.

Angus after a visit to Martin Bell's tailor

Host Angus Deaton milked the controversy surrounding the former Conservative MP's defeat at Tatton last week by appearing in a white suit - the trademark of Mr Hamilton's rival Martin Bell.

Even the publication from which headlines are selected each week had been tailored for the Hamiltons. It was The Ritz's in-house magazine - a clear reference to the fact that the couple stayed at the Paris Ritz as the guest of its owner, Mohammed Al Fayed.

Mrs Hamilton refused to be drawn over who she would support for the new leader of the Conservative Party, but her husband, who was sporting a red bow tie, claimed he had something to offer.

"I think I could successfully unite the party because they would all be against me."

Mr Hamilton appeared to be enjoying his new role as satirist when he said of his appearance on the programme "It is much better telling political jokes than being one."