Tuesday, 22nd July 2008

Guess who didn't come to dinner

James Forsyth 6:07pm

Downing Street has just released the names of all those who have received official hospitality at Chequers. Most of the Cabinet are on the list but there are some notable omissions.

It is rather surprising that the Chief Whip and the deputy leader of the Labour party have not been entertained at the PM’s country residence. While Douglas Alexander’s omission lends credence to the rumours that the International Development Secretary’s role in letting the speculation about an early election get so out of hand has seen him expelled from Brown’s inner circle

More worrying, though, is that at a time when the country is fighting two wars, neither the Foreign Secretary nor the Defence Secretary have been officially entertained at Chequers.

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Mark

July 22nd, 2008 7:04pm Report this comment

Nor has any senior member of the armed forces, unless I've missed something. And what about his deputy leader, Harriet Harman?

salieri

July 22nd, 2008 7:32pm Report this comment

I bet Sir Mark Elder isn't on the list either.

Chuck Unsworth

July 22nd, 2008 8:24pm Report this comment

Wee Dougie not there? Would anyone have noticed if he was?

Possibly consoling his elegant and somewhat shy sister.

Harriet was probably too busy riding around on her broomstick chasing people off her roof.

TrevorH

July 22nd, 2008 10:14pm Report this comment

Aren't they better off not getting an invite?

I rather see Browns method of government rather like that of Bloefeld. Anyone who displeases the great leader finds a trapdoor to a shark infested pool opening up beneath their chair.

Actually it could be a fate far worse than that - have you ever heard Browns small talk? A bit like Vogon poetry.

Leon Kreitzman

July 23rd, 2008 9:29am Report this comment

I looked on the link to see who had attended and there was no mention of a scientist. Surely there must be at least one senior scientist deemed worthy of inviting round for round for dinner with the PM?And who knows, had some been invited thay may have had bsome sensible things to say.

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