Another one:
George Osborne in 'first class ticket row'
The telling remark "His aide tells ticket collector he cannot possibly move and sit with the likes of us in standard class and requests he is allowed to remain in First Class."
It's the same sense of entitlement and superiority that lead to the expenses furore.
The aide, the "Train Manager" and the train operator all say this story is bollix. George Osborne says he was unaware that anything had happened as his aide carries the tickets, reserves seats etc and he simply sat where he was directed; There was, allegedly, some confusion as they had first class reserved seats on another train but were unable to catch that train~ at least that is the gist of the report on BBC news this morning.
For what it is worth all Ministers are entitled to first class travel and frankly I feel rightly so as they work whilst they travel and what is in those Red Boxes and the telephone calls they may receive are not for the eyes and ears of anyone else. Osborne and his aide could just as easily had a Government Car and Driver at their beck and call but the train is much cheaper and is easier to work on than in the back of a car.
We are, I'm afraid, slipping back into the Media setting themselves up as the "Opposition" once more.
I recommend reading Alistair Campbell's diaries for the tales of how the journalists carry on and how much they complain that their part of the aircraft, when they accompany the PM anywhere, is not First Class.
