Minister Eric Pickles misses barrack, so critics get teeth into mince pies instead

Oriel Hutchinson serves up mulled wine to disappointed protesters

Published: 17th December, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER

PROTESTERS were disappointed when the Tory minister they wanted to barrack failed to turn up as chief guest at a carol service in Clerkenwell on Tuesday.

The service had been organised by the borough’s Tories to welcome Eric Pickles, who is responsible for grants to local authorities cut by 27 per cent.

But Mr Pickles could not leave the Commons in time for the service – and protesters were left with no one to barrack.

But Oriel Hutchinson, secretary of Islington Conservatives, offered mulled wine and mince pies in a seasonal gesture to her political opponents.

Most demonstrators accepted her hospitality, although some refused on a point of principle.

Ms Hutchinson said: “They were OK about it on the whole, although one person called me Tory scum.”

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