It appears the recently dethroned Lord David of Anderson won't be receiving a patronage appointment anytime soon - and not just because of the controversial comments he made today in The Vancouver Sun and The Times Colonist. According to the party rumour mill, the prime minister's principle secretary Francis Fox telephoned Mr. Anderson on Sunday night and asked him to voluntarily step down from cabinet, making room for members of Paul Martin's British Columbia dream team (which, evidently, includes once and current underperformer Raymond Chan). The Victoria MP refused and was told his services at the big table wouldn't be required anyway. Moreover, he shouldn't he expect a pork plum until after the next election - and only if the Liberals win a majority government (something about optics and political realities). At which point much hissing and pissing ensued before the conversation abruptly ended.