David Shutt, Deputy Chief Whip in the Lords, says he will be spending the afternoon of his 70th birthday canvassing for the Lib Dems. “I did the same thing on my 21st birthday too at Colne Valley for Richard Wainwright.” He is planning a two-day event to celebrate with his children and grandchildren. He enjoys his other title, Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, although he says that he can hardly walk in his uniform. RGT
Birthdays today
Matthew Bannister, broadcaster, 55; Bernardo Bertolucci, film director, 72; Graham Cole, actor, 60; Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, 56; Sir Philip Foreman, mechanical engineer, 89; the Right Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, 62; Isabelle Huppert, actress, 59; Sir Anthony Kenny, president, British Academy, 1989-93, 81; Jerry Lewis, comedian, 86; Jimmy Nail, actor, 58; Georgina Nayler, director, Pilgrim Trust, 53; Kate Nelligan, actress, 61; Sir Roger Norrington, conductor, 78; Bridget Rowe, journalist, 62; Wadham Sutton, musician and crossword compiler, 77.