As the row over the front-loading of grant cuts rumbles on to the 11th hour of the postponed financial settlement – any bets on publication, Christmas Eve at 11pm? – is this the time to feel a tad sorry for Eric Pickles?
The self-confessed ‘fat man in a hurry' may have been perhaps a little too hasty when presenting himself before the Star Chamber, back in the autumn. When dealing with the Treasury, it is always wise to a) read the small print on any deal before signing, and b) check your pockets before leaving. These people are past masters at relieving Cabinet ministers of large amounts of cash without them even noticing.
