We Can't Be Trusted

And the award for brass neck of 2010 goes to ...

Foreign Office minister Henry Bellingham revealed that Government Hospitality, which manages the cellar, had spent £17,698 on new stock since May 6 - bringing the total value to £864,000 - though he insisted the standard practice of buying wines young saved money for the taxpayer.

"None of these wines has yet been used. Careful management of the Government wine cellar enables GH to provide wine for high profile events at significantly below the current market rate, making substantial savings for the taxpayer."

Hey, Henry. The rest of us poor bastards who are condemned to life under your dictatorial rule tend to do the same.

When our suppliers offer a money-saving deal, we avail ourselves of it, thereby making 'substantial savings' for our household finances. With our own money, I might add.

Precisely the savings, in fact, that you hypocrites would seek to deprive us of by any means possible.

So, let's get this straight. We voted for a referendum on Europe - you refused it. We voted for a partial smoking ban - you changed it. Some of us voted for parties you don't like - you exclude them. You get caught out claiming expenses we could only dream of - you complain it's unfair.

And now, after telling us you have to cut expenses to the bone, you are increasing expenditure on bargain alcohol while spending every waking hour hectoring us that we can't be trusted to do the same.

You've got some nerve, I'll give you that.

H/T Ranty