Tamzin Lightwater

Diary of a Notting Hill nobody | 1 November 2008

Tamzin Lightwater's unique take on the week

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Who says we don’t have an economic policy? We most certainly do. Our plan, as Dave showed today, is to highlight the fact that Gordon Brown doesn’t have a plan. If this isn’t a serious package for recovery, I don’t know what is. So let’s have no more crazy talk from Mr Redwood about getting control of public spending and stimulating growth. Speaking of which, poor Mr Duncan isn’t enjoying being our new Mandy attack dog. Says this sort of thing isn’t in his contract and he wants a 24-hour armed guard. He’s fussing like crazy about a press release in his name attacking the Prince of Darkness. I told him to pull himself together. If it all goes wrong and slanderous stories start appearing about his links with the oil industry, we will stand by him. For a few days, anyway. Still, some people are happy. Mr Maude and Mr Letwin are on cloud nine about the hung parliament polls. ‘You see! We’re heading for a landslide defeat, as I predicted . . .’ No, as I predicted . . .’ ‘No, as I predicted . . .’ Bless!

Wednesday

No joy with Obama’s people. They’ll have to call back eventually, surely? If not, we’re going to have to draw lots to decide who’s going to tell Dave we haven’t managed to set up so much as a phone call. I blame Foxy for talking us into supporting stinky old McCain. Talk about backing the wrong horse! If you ask me, that one’s had his chips. Am consoling myself with finalising our comprehensive list of forbidden activities suspended until further notice: yachting (obviously)*; flying on private jets*; taking helicopters short distances when chauffeur-driven car would do*; fine-dining in top restaurants with or without members of rival parties*; wearing waistcoats**. Any MP caught indulging in banned activity will find their career prospects severely curtailed.

*Unless on urgent leadership/fundraising business. **Unless cleared with the CCHQ waistcoat and tie guidelines dept.

Thursday

Ms Rowe on the phone again. Would Gids like to go out for dinner Friday night? No, he would not! Actually, maybe I better ask, just to be sure. I’ve got myself into trouble for assuming things that seemed obvious before. After all, who’d have thought Gids would want to take tea with Oleg Deripaska? Am out with Bev tonight. We’re going to a little Greek place this time. It’s so nice to have a friendship across the political divide.

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