A pattern is emerging, every time a Labour Party figure ends up in disgrace, Balls is never far away. Yesterday he was launching Labour’s coronation in Barnsley Central, as its previous Member of Parliament was preparing for a year in prison.

‘Eric was a good friend of mine, one of the first MPs I met when I first came into the House of Commons. I think he fought hard for this constituency and did a good job and I think people respect that. But he also made a mistake, a big mistake and he’s paying a big price for that, and I think that’s right’

A bit like another good friend Balls thought it appropriate to salute in November when he “led a round of applause for Phil Woolas & his dedicated service to his constituents and the Labour party”. His dedicated service to the truth too.

And what was it Balls said about Damian McBride back in the day? He was another good friend who made a mistake:

“Asked whether he had been in contact with Labour’s most notorious pariah, Balls confirmed that he had, but suggested it was purely social: “I certainly wished him a happy birthday. As I said [when he resigned], Damian did a very stupid thing, he’s paid a very heavy price, but we all get on with our jobs”

Ed Balls is the man who wants us to trust him with the nation’s finances, they say you should judge a man by his friends, his seem to be liars and crooks who cheat the taxpayers. Perhaps they will all end up on the same the pub quiz team…