He did not temporise.

He did not leave a way of retreat open for the Prime Minister, who would probably wind up the debate.

He fought with skill, but he fought without gloves, and the House needed gentle handling.

He had the gift of effective speech to a rare degree, and when he liked he could be insinuating and witty, but he had not genuine humour or good feeling, and the House knew it.

In debate he was biting, resourceful, and unscrupulous.