Edward Heath "nearing end of life"

According to The Telegraph website and other sources, Ted Heath's health has weakened and he is "nearing the end of his life". So said a spokesman for the former prime minister today.

Sir Edward is "resting quietly at home" where he is receiving medical attention, the spokesman said. The development comes just a week after the ex-Tory leader was well enough to celebrate his 89th birthday with a party. Says the site, "In more than half a century in the House of Commons, Sir Edward's crowning achievement was to lead Britain into Europe."

"Achievement", of course, is only one way of putting it. Stand by for the fawning obituaries. But, as far as this Blog is concerned, conforming with the tradition of "not speaking ill of the dead" is going to be very problematical.