Conservative ministers slammed for holding 67 parties as British economy implodes

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According to their conference agenda Conservative ministers and MPs will have enjoyed 67 receptions and parties by Wednesday afternoon, with a whopping 290 conference events advertising free drinks (through a wine glass insignia on the conference agenda). Drinks are served to conference goers from 8am until late into the night.

Having wiled the day away in complementary breakfasts, lunches and lounges, a typical minister could stagger their way from a CCHQ gala, to a reception with property developers, to a raucous drinks party in the aptly named “champagne room”.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Conservative party to stop their conference, recall Parliament, and fix their “botched budget”.

The Liberal Democrats have accused Conservative ministers of “insulting the British people” by partying at their conference over the weekend, rather than addressing the economic crisis. Conservative party delegates are expected to have enjoyed 67 receptions and parties at the conference, with drinks served at nearly 300 events. The revelations follow days of turmoil in which the pound collapsed to its lowest ever level against the dollar, mortgage rates spiked, and the Prime Minister refused to rule out cuts to pensions and benefits.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson, Christine Jardine MP said:

“Conservative MPs have been partying while the economy burns.

“It is shameful that Conservative ministers have been nursing their hangovers as Britain spirals towards bankruptcy. They should stop their conference at once so they can grip the unfolding disaster, fix their botched budget and support the millions of people who are struggling.

“Our country is in crisis. Bills are spiralling, our NHS is on its knees, and many people risk losing their homes under the government’s mortgage rate bombshell. Now is not the time for Conservative MPs to spend night after night partying. It is a slap in the face for the British public, who are sick and tired of being taken for granted by this government.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

List of all 293 events advertised as serving drinks, such as through a wine glass insignia on the agenda can be found here 

67 events are described as a “reception”, “drinks reception” or party .