Spare a thought for the affable PM’s spokesman.
This morning, he was quizzed about today’s unveiling of the portrait of Baroness Thatcher in Downing Street.
No pictures will be allowed was the message. “Private event,” we were told by Gordy’s top aide.
Readers will recall how there was something of a political kerfuffle when Thatch last appeared on the doorstep of No 10 with a beaming Gordy back in September 2007 just after Irn Broon took over the premierhsip.
There was a bit of a backlash, particularly from the more hard-nosed comrades, who felt a sense of betrayal that their leader should be kow-towing to the great Tory hate figure. Others thought Gordy was shamelessly exploiting his fledgling leadership by aligning himself with the Iron Lady.
So the impression given was that this time round everything would be done sub rosa. There was even a suggestion that Dave would slip in by a side entrance to avoid the gaggle of snappers waiting eagerly outside the famous black door.
Having for several minutes sought to explain to the gathered Westminster press pack that there would be no photos and that the event would be strictly private and press-free, an aide tapped the spokesman on the elbow to inform him, ahem, there will be a photo of the two politicians on the doorstep of No 10.
Developing a crimson hue, the spokesman turned round and said: “Yes, there will be.” Oh dear, the No 10 cat is in for it.
The portrait by Richard Stone, who has previously painted the Queen and the Queen Mother as well as Labour Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, has been paid for by a “private” donor and is expected to go on permanent display in the first floor state rooms lobby.
Although photographs of all modern prime ministers line the main staircase in No 10, only two 20th century premiers have paintings on display: David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.
Lady Thatcher is believed to be the first living politician to be given the honour of a portrait in No 10.
After the doorstep pic, wait for the leftwing backlash not to mention the rightwing tabloid headlines, poking fun at GB.
