Only one of the six state representatives in question won the party's endorsement at the subsequent election, and only two ended up keeping their seats.
In the days before The Finkler Question won the 2010 Man Booker prize, Howard Jacobson enthusiasts tended to cast him as an under-appreciated outsider.
"This is where the magic happens," said Guillaume, adding: "The person who asks the best question wins a T-shirt".
As opposition leader, he frequently mocked Tony Blair at prime minister's questions, winning plaudits for his witty performances.
Unlike some of his teammates, he faces tough questions, win or lose, after every game.
He had a rocky start to his leadership, however, facing sexism accusations, criticised for refusing to sing the National Anthem and U-turns on policy, but a strong debut appearance against Mr Cameron at Prime Minister's Questions won him praise.
So to answer my headline question, I don't think it's a question of winning or losing.
"It's not just a question of winning the case.
"It's not a question of winning union support.
