BBC business editor Robert Peston revealed why he prefers bankers to MPs at a ‘cash for questions’ event organised by the Journalists’ Charity.
Some 150 journalists attended a reception at the House of Commons and paid £10 to have their questions answered by a panel comprising Peston, former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Alan Duncan MP.
Hilary Genin asked Peston: “Having experience of both, who are the worst: MPs or bankers?”
Peston replied: “An MP normally suggests lunch and also suggests the restaurant he would like to go to. If he is there before you, he has already chosen the most expensive wine.
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“Even if it was his suggestion, only one MP in 100 would offer to pay for it … and only one in 100 would send you a thank you note.
“Most bankers would invite you to lunch, pay for it and then thank you afterwards for your time. I would say MPs!”
Ray Massey from the Daily Mail asked the panel: “If you could have anything [like today’s published expenses] from your past blacked out, what would you choose?
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Campbell responded: “I don’t talk to the Daily Mail….I will answer that question as long as anyone who has worked for Paul Dacre [editor] doesn’t benefit from the money raised.” He then added: “My university education, probably…”
Duncan chipped in: “I love Paul Dacre…there’s an election coming up!”
Peston said: “I don’t know, I lead a boring life… I work, I go home…If anyone can find anything interesting about me will they please let me know.”
Sharon Collins asked the panel: “In a Hollywood film of your life, who would play you”.
Duncan suggested: “Ronnie Corbett with a bloody good facelift.”
The event was hosted by Anna Botting from Sky News and raised £420 for the Journalists’ Charity.
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