Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> Upward mobility http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1074882730 Message started by Forum Admin on Jan 23^rd, 2004, 6:33pm

Title: Upward mobility
Post by Forum Admin on Jan 23^rd, 2004, 6:33pm

This story, from the Guardian diary, falls into the category of "obviously rubbish but nevertheless amusing"

· Heartening news from Whitehall that John Birt is winning his battle to
quell the surging tide of self-importance that some believe characterised
his BBC career. These days Lord B is employed by Mr Tony Blair for the
crucial task of "blue skies thinking", one he fulfils from the Cabinet
Office at 70 Whitehall, where a refurbishment programme is in progress.
As part of this, a bespoke spiral staircase has been built for his
lordship. The purpose, we gather, is to enable him to enter and exit his
office without mingling with the more plebeian elements (previously he
had to endure a long walk down a corridor also used by the lower orders).
The precise cost, although presumably immense, sadly eludes New Labour's
relentless drive towards open government. "I've spoken to various people
about this," the Cabinet Office's Helen Desmond tells Marina Hyde, "and
I'm sorry but we don't comment on specific refurbishment arrangements."
So you can't tell us anything more at all about this marvellous
staircase? "No," she reiterates firmly, "we don't comment on specific
refurbishment arrangements." If anyone with expertise cares to speculate
wildly, feel free to get in touch.