Last month, the prime minister indicated he too was worried that ring-fencing could undermine Britain's anaemic economic recovery - and that he might take steps to ensure that any such overhaul of banks would not happen till after the next general election in 2015.

BBC: Separation of retail banks 'will take years'

The political developments came hours after dramatic new videotape of the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto emerged, showing her slumping just after gunshots ring out.

CNN: Decision on Pakistan election delayed; new video emerges

Among the top contenders are a prime Doberman named Veni Vidi Vici that reached the best-of-seven final ring last year, a big-winning wire fox terrier, a German wirehaired pointer ranks as the nation's No. 1 show dog and a prized American foxhound.

WSJ: Pinstripe pedigree: Bronx Bowser joins Westminster

At best, the next prime minister will be somebody less seasoned than Mr Chernomyrdin, less able to hold the ring.

ECONOMIST: When Boris banged the table