London 2012 Olympics: Architects call on Lord Coe to end Olympics ban

They are banned from publicising their work until next year, under draconian rules to protect Olympic sponsors. These rules are against the whole spirit of the Olympics, claims Angela Brady, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Crushing the small guy is just not on.

She has written to Lord Coe, the chairman of the organising committee, to demand that the ban is overturned immediately. Coe is my last hope, says Brady. If Seb cant overturn the ban, then no one can. The end of the years no good. All eyes are on London right now. I want the architects to be able to stand proudly in front of their buildings and talk about them to international TV crews.

Princess Michael of Kent, who once said she would go anywhere for a free meal, takes a keen interest in men's wallets. Jeremy Robson, the publisher, tells Mandrake: We brought out a book on the Orient Express and took a number of celebrities on the luxury train. Princess Michael asked me for my business card, but when she saw the state of my wallet she was appalled and asked how could I have such a battered old thing. I didnt know she was such an expert on wallets.

New chapter for Ed Balls

Having bankrolled Ed Ballss failed attempt to become leader of the Labour Party to the tune of 127,500, Ken Follett and his wife, Barbara, turned their attentions to Ballss wife, Yvette Cooper. They helped her to pay for a member of staff.

Happily, the best-selling author has not lost faith in Coopers husband. He has now donated 30,000 to the shadow chancellors office.

Ethics? They are an ad hoc matter

The Conservative Partys annual report includes a list of its committees. Of the chairmanship of its Ethics & Integrity body, it says: Appointed on an ad hoc basis

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London 2012 Olympics: Architects call on Lord Coe to end Olympics ban