Unimpressed attendees at the Shadow Treasury’s pre-Budget briefing with the IFS report that it descended into shambles when its host, City spokesman Alison McGovern – cruelly nicknamed “Intern” by colleagues – “arrived late looking scruffy in a badly-fitting, too tight dress” and spent the meeting “yawning and texting on her phone”. “Didn’t give the best impression of the new Shadow Treasury team,” sighs one participant. “The incomptence…”

At least Alison put more effort into Labour’s briefing with another key economic powerhouse. Friends happily report she was “on time, engaged and happy to be there” at the Shadow Treasury’s next engagement, with Unite…

UPDATE: Another happy reader:

I deserve this. Wanting to scrutinise Tories on finance rather than girly issues. Like kittens.Or hopscotch maybe http://t.co/oEPLeUNAHG #fb

— Alison McGovern (@Alison_McGovern) July 8, 2015