It was hardly a surprise when Vince Cable was outed as the most wasteful spender in government this summer, but the Minister for Profligacy’s cheque-writing dalliances don’t stop there. Guido can reveal that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has spent over £1.6 million of taxpayers’ money doing up its offices in this year alone.

While a chunk of the cash was justifiably spent on dealing with an asbestos problem, over a hundred grand was shelled out on aesthetic work. Thousands more were spent on redecorating and improving lighting. The boys at BIS have gone into spin overdrive, reeling off the usual lines that the spending will be recouped and that savings will be made in the long run. Good to see Vince has a growth plan at last…