Ahead of the Autumn Statement, there were reports that Theresa May was concerned that Philip Hammond was not doing enough to help the ‘just about managing’ families — aka JAMs. While he did oblige with a fuel duty freeze, May’s government has since faced questions over its commitment to the JAMs — with matters not helped by the Prime Minister’s decision to don £1,000 leather trousers for a photoshoot.
So, Mr S was intrigued to see that Hammond, too, isn’t afraid to indulge in a taste of the high life. The latest register of interests shows that Hammond and his wife enjoyed a dinner — courtesy of Andrew Taee, the founder of Dial Partners LLP — to the value of £800.
While May is reluctant to put a number on what the JAMs earn, Mr S would hesitate a guess they rarely have a chance to have a dinner at £400 a head.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in