ABSTRACT
A backbencher cannot expect the Lobby to take an interest in his every word, and even prominent opposition leaders are not automatic ‘copy’; one prominent leader of the Conservative opposition was said sometimes to give long ‘exclusive’ interviews, which were too boring for use. The few leading Ministers in the government can expect a fairly steady flood of coverage. But much publicity is unfavourable, and an individual Minister may go to considerable trouble and expenditure of time in an attempt to ensure favourable publicity.
