With a beach ball tucked firmly under his left arm and a spade in his right hand, Tony ran into Gordon's room. "Well, are you ready?"

"Yes, of course I'm ready, Tony, I remembered the Frisbee and sun block this year! Let's go!"

I have never seen Gordon look so happy.

"So am I Chancellor of mine! This is great."

Tony and Gordon always tried to get away from the office together a couple of times a year and the trip to Brighton beach was a favourite...