JACK Straw has got a secret adviser in his new role as Foreign Secretary -- his predecessor in the job Robin Cook.

The two have been meeting frequently to make sure the Blackburn MP settles in swiftly to the job.

Mr Cook was understood to have been put out by his unexpected replacement but has got over that quickly to help his old pal.

Now Leader of the House of Commons, he told me: "Jack's a great friend. We've worked together since the early Eighties when we were together in the Opposition Treasury team under Peter Shore.

"I'm very glad my successor is somebody I've been so close to and I'm sure he'll do a great job.

"But I think in courtesy to Jack, the advice was given in private and should stay private.''

Glad to see he shares Mr Straw's scepticism about Freedom of Information but then the Foreign Office has never been keen on open government.

EVER the opportunist, Nigel Evans took advantage of news that the Prime Minister plans to take part of his summer holiday in Britain to demand that Tony Blair visit the Ribble Valley .

He said the PM should come to the area "to support our failing tourism industry which has been so badly affected by this foot and mouth outbreak. "This would be a welcome token gesture to this crippled industry. This government has done little to help them and Mr Blair's visit would show he is committed to supporting them.

"I spoke some time ago to Cherie Booth, Mr Blair's wife, who told me she has fond memories of when she was young visiting the Ribble Valley. ''

Ten Downing Street diplomatically declined to comment on the Blair's domestic holiday plans.

PETER Pike will spend the next week discovering what a tough life it is being an MP.

In relation to his onerous duties as Chairman of the House of Commons Deregulation Committee in the last Parliament, the Burnley MP flew out to Sydney, Australia, last night and will spend the next seven days there discussing this issue so important to his constituents.

They will be delighted to know he is considered so important that he gets this jaunt even though the new committee has yet to be appointed.