As Barlow Lyde & Gilbert consoles itself over the departure of top-rated litigating glamour-puss Clare Canning, The Diary was left wondering if the firm had embarked upon a dirty-tricks campaign to muddy the waters surrounding her resignation.

Following an innocent enquiry as to whether Canning worked part time or full time for the City hot-shots, a source at the firm suggested that she must be part time because she “is in therapy” on Fridays.