2010 Cooper S starting and running probs

[treehack]

Here's the story, my wife started the car today after not using it since Tuesday and it took a lot of cranking to get it started and when it did eventually start had a very erratic tick over, surging up to 3k at times. After it was hot it was a pig to start again aswell.
I drove it later in the day and again was a pig to start again, it also felt a bit sluggish but I haven't driving it for ages so can't be sure.
My initial thought is the thermostat at has gone and is fooling the engine that it needs richening the fuel/air mix. I'm guessing this would account for the above symptoms?
What's confusing me is that it's a bugger to start even when cold. Anyone have any other ideas or advice?

[Waugh-terfall]

Sounds like the High Pressure Fuel Pump might have copped a wobbler.

[treehack]

Waugh-terfall said:

Sounds like the High Pressure Fuel Pump might have copped a wobbler.

It's only bloody done 20k, if it is that then that is st!