The Mysterious Captain Moonlight - as we now must refer to him - doubles in the day job as Mr Alan Jones. This smaller-than-life character does not fall into the financial category normally associated with the black economy. We all chip in to pay him close on £160,000 a year so that he can make a complete pigs' breakfast of the affairs of Somerset County Council. He has risen admirably to this challenge and claims to work tirelessly for the people.

So why in the name of common sense is he now cultivating a sideline on the lucrative lecture circuit? Jonesy, it seems, has been quietly honing his "skills" and is now in a position to sell his "services". Jonesy does a regular turn on the conference circuit thrilling the crowds with his new catch-phrase "Beyond Excellence"

The Telegraph's wise Business Correspondent, Simon Goodley, wrote of one such event:

"It's beyond parody, certainly, but a question remains: how, exactly does one go beyond excellence?"

(send your answers direct to: simon.goodley@telegraph.co.uk)

Unfortunately this new Jones sideline is not a joke. It has a history. And we are probably all paying for it.

Alan Jones took up his role as the new Chief Executive of Somerset County Council in 2003. But it quickly dawned on the less dumb-brained inadequates of the ruling Liberal Democrats that Mr Jones was "work in progress" when it came to people skills. Jonesy didn't have any. Many people argue that he is still sadly lacking in this department. However an expensive coaching course can often cover a multitude of sins even if it fails to cure the underlying problem.

So that's what they did. They sent AJ and his rude, hectoring ways to London for an intensive Coaching course.

And our Al got the Coaching bug.

Before long he was quoting all manner of management mumbo-jumbo.

He wouldn't go as far as the nearest Taunton corner shop without first subjecting its owner to a full psychometric test.

Mr Jones found a psychobabbling soul-mate when he hired Jenny Hastings as project manager for ISIS (Improving Services in Somerset).

Jenny H caught the bug big time too. She now runs a Coaching outfit calling itself "Inspiring Achievement". It is probably "Beyond Excellence" too.

Perhaps the estranged pair (she left Somerset County Council two years ago after a bout of stress and some other rumoured goings-on) still exchange pleasanteries during the coffee break Danish pastry intervals during Coaching conferences? Who cares. But at least Alan is getting himself properly papered up:

 The Office for Public Management.

The Office for Public Management delivers proper training for high powered chaps like Al. He is, according to him, about to qualify with a Diploma in Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring. The course set somebody back £2,900.00 plus VAT. I would like to know who. I would equally well like to know how much Alan is being paid to skive off to Wolverhampton on October 14th where he is due to give the first keynote speech called "Beyond Excellence". After a while it must so easy it becomes like taking candy from a baby. Eh Alan?  He did a similar stint in April - during office hours - delivering a "Master Class" lecture in Brussels. Somebody paid for his ticket. Somebody, presumably, offered him a fat fee. I am not a prude. Its a free country. But in Parliament we have Register of Members Interests and are obliged to declare outside earnings (see mine - HOW MUCH IS YOUR MP? ) So lets shine a proper light into the moonlit corners of the Chief Executive's office and see what Mr Jones admits. If you are doing these lectures just for the greater good of Somerset that is absolutely wonderful and to be applauded. If you are giving your fees to charity that is also good news. Would you be so kind as to tell us which charity? If, however, this is just another elaborate escape tunnel you are devising for yourself than you owe it the people who are subsidising you to come clean. And, come to think of it, Jill Shortland the Council Leader ought to reach for her cane into the bargain. Its bend over time Jonesy.