Steerpike Steerpike

Coffee Shots: Whitto reveals Seumas Milne’s Maoist manifesto

Today’s lobby lunch was the cause of much amusement among hacks. John Whittingdale used his speech to cast a light on Labour spinner Seumas Milne’s school days. The Culture Secretary recounted his time at Winchester College with Milne. He said that during this time, Milne co-authored a manifesto supporting Chinese communist dictator Chairman Mao. What’s more he even posed for a photo with the election poster in question:

Of course this isn’t the first time someone in Labour has been associated with the communist dictator. While John McDonnell quoted from Mao’s Little Red Book during the Budget announcement, Labour’s Diane Abbott previously suggested that Mao did more good than harm.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in