Improvements are taking place in the kitchen facilities of the eight floor of City Hall, which is where Mayor Johnson's dynamic team of policy-making deputies and directors live. On this, all concerned are agreed. But how extensive, nay lavish, are said improvements? Word from an admittedly hostile source has it that not only are the amenities being expensively enhanced by our value-for-money mayoralty but that a budget-busting glass screen is being erected to seal off the elite from the underling support staff.
The mayor's office takes issue with this account. "It's just a routine upgrade," I'm beseechingly assured. "Some of the cupboards are a bit battered and being replaced, but that's about all. It's pretty basic, like on every floor. There's a kettle, some mugs and a fridge. Another department's microwave was taken away the other week and returned in better working order. This sort of thing goes on all the time. And I don't know about a glass screen. We made the eighth floor more open plan after Boris won, so perhaps someone's getting confused."
Where does the distinction lie between a routine upgrade and an expensive refurb? I may have to insist on inspecting the works myself, and while I'm at it have a stern word with that Anthony Browne.
