Rockefeller, for instance, became perhaps the richest man in history, but his fortune pales in comparison to the beneficent effects of his achievements.

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He has been dubbed "inaction man" - a comparison with Mr Ashdown, who brought his former marine training to his political career - and his main challenger, Simon Hughes, seized on this, with the health spokesman describing himself as the more energetic of the pair.

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What drives a man to misrepresent his achievements in this context, when the incremental gain in credibility seems to pale in comparison to the potential loss of credibility he could face (and now has) if the lie comes to light?

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