PMQs snapshot: Muppets on all sides Ed Balls, he began, did a brilliant job playing Santa at the Commons Christmas party every year. At this, Mr Balls stretched out his arms in the manner of someone acknowledging applause from all around him. "Why not give everyone an early Christmas present," Mr Cameron continued. Make the arrangement permanent... and give him the sack! At times like this I always think it's a pity the chamber has no room for a drum kit, so that someone could greet MPs" punchlines with a "badoom-tish!" on the cymbal and snare. Watching from the bar, stroking his upper lip thoughtfully, and wearing an outstandingly bright pink tie, was Andrew Mitchell, the former Chief Whip. A Tory backbencher asked about trust in the police; Mr Mitchell remained expressionless. He did, though, swap smiles with Jeremy Hunt, a colleague who knows what it's like to have one's reputation trampled on. What a pleasure it is to see Mr Mitchell in the House, if for no other reason than his magnificent hair, which looked even more than ever like a shiny silver cycling helmet.