I must admit to not being aware beforehand that the Chief Whip had his official residence in Downing Street alongside the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. This is an interesting insight to where power lies in government.
As well as beer and sandwiches in Downing Street we also had a tour of Number 10. Which we all really enjoyed especially the Cabinet room. Outside there was the usual scramble for all the best photos outside the door of Number 10 (and Number 11). The Chancellor’s Wife, Margaret Vaughan, while waiting to be let into Number 10 gave us a cheery welcome and apologised that she could not let us all in for a nightcap!
The premier West Hammer present (apart from Lyn!) was Gerry, a retired trade union activist and 50 year Labour Party member on his first visit to Downing Street. Other highlights were seeing my 1980’s contemporary pop hero Feargal Sharkey at the reception (I was far too shy to say hello); taking pictures of various West Hammers in the Chief Whip’s desk while they sung “if I ruled the world” and us all taking home as many bottle as we can carry of the complimentary Nick and Gordon “Newcastle Brown Ale” bottles (see photo).
We thanked Nick and his favourite “daughter” Lyn for the hospitality and looked forward to attending next year’s Government Whip bash.
Fingers and toes.
No comments:
Post a Comment