Mr Hamilton, who was beaten at the 1997 General Election by the then BBC war reporter, will put pen to paper for The Sunday Times next week.

His wife, meanwhile, will spell out what she thinks for The New Statesman.

Mr Hamilton revealed all - or at least his forthcoming commission - when asked to comment on Monday on Mr Bell's parliamentary performance so far.

"I can't say anything to another newspaper yet," he said. "But both the Hamiltons will have their say soon."

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