Title

Diary is often uncomfortable in social occasions. Often, when taking a dram of Dutch courage, we say one or two untrue but seemingly probable things. Not so much as to boast, but as to bolster our humdrum and lacklustre life for the sake of seeming interesting. So Diary is full of sympathy for John Handley, the former beau of Basildon mayor, Mo Larkin. Seemingly cowed by his background as a former TV repairman turned cleaning business impresario, Mr Handley claimed to hold a PhD in law. As he attended illustrious official events, involving the likes of 1966 World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst, and the first winner of Pop Idol, Will Young, he would also boast of having served with distinction in the Royal Navy. He talked of having been hurt in a friendly fire incident and of having killed in action. On the diplomatic front, he would talk of his pivotal role in the Palestine peace process and of repatriating the bodies of British victims of the Kenyan mall-shooting. Mr Handley even informed the Basildon Echo that not only was he advising US President Obama on the Edward Snowden NSA cyber-snooping scandal, but also former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after a smear campaign. Sadly, the PhD was bought online from the US and neither the Royal Navy nor the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have any knowledge of Handley. Well, Diary sees no harm done in making small talk more fun, even if it does take Walter Mitty-style fantasy to the global stage. Mr Handley, if you ever fancy a chat concerning your latest diplomatic triumph over a canapé or two, pay a welcome visit to MJ Towers to discuss progress with Iranian nuclear talks.

Title

Mayor's boyfriend claimed he had PhD

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