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Gerald Scarfe’s other wall

The new Intercontinental Hotel in Westminster seems determined to become the chosen haunt for the political great and good. The swanky hotel has opened its doors — and more importantly its late hours bar — to the Village. Cabinet Ministers and media luvvies have been spotted conspiring long into the night. I also hear that one leading conservative-supporting website was recently given free rein for the evening for less than a thousand pounds.

The bar’s decor is stuffed with political photographs and Spitting Image puppets, as you might expect; but whoever commissioned the greatest works of Gerald Scarfe, which stretch along an entire wall, must be hoping that this week’s rumpus is soon forgotten. In case you haven’t heard, the Sunday Times cartoonist found himself in hot water over his controversial depiction of the Israeli Prime Minister on Holocaust Memorial Day. No lesser a man than Uncle Rupe apologised for the ‘grotesque, offensive cartoon.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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