I guess the real story of the hospitality and diaries of David Cameron and Nick Clegg is how they lead different lives. Nick Clegg has hardly met anyone, though he did meet the Metropolitan Police in July – what was that about? David Cameron however has had an action packed life. Rupert Murdoch was one of his first guests though presumably his visit will not be known in the future because private visits to the flat will not be registered in future publications. Their statements on transparency were a con but you’ll probably know that by now.
I’m going to publish an end of day roundup next, then hang up my boots for the day.
I suspect the £500 handbag is the Red Herring. Lobby journalists (or their editors) will not be able to resist writing a fashion story. A Spin Doctor has probably given a picture of it to the Daily Mail already. You’ll be able to compare the High Street equivalents by Sunday. And of course, the real story of who is talking to whom will be missed.
If you’re wondering what’s going on let me explain. Despite Downing Street having seen all the submissions for hospitality in advance of publication, they’re letting each department publish their own lists. This is confusing. And it’s difficult to piece together who saw what when and why. It makes it hard for lobby journalists to write the story of which ministers and their political appointees received hospitality from whom. We’re going to publish every document we find but the House of Commons library have not been given them yet. Some departments have published their lists and we’re tracking them down for you. Hope you find it useful.
