Boris v Elsie

In his interview with Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid, prime minister Johnson once again stuck a size 10 hoof in his overactive mouth.

Ms Reid raised the case of 'Elsie', who spends each day riding the bus because she can't afford to brew a cuppa, or presumably, watch Good Morning Britain.

The media naturally leapt upon the gaffe, it appeared to be a genuine 'Gotcha' moment.

May I ask a question many haven't, namely: Was the story fully researched? Was it actually true? It SOUNDED like a scoop, an outrageous indictment of all that is wrong with modern Britain, but .....

Let's look at the facts. The full UK pension is now £185 a week. or £740 a month. Basic pension is £141.85 or £564 a month. Elsie stated her fuel bill has risen from £15 a month to £85. (When was it only £15 a month?) Even the basic pension rate leaves her £120 a week on which to live. It isn't a fortune but I smell a rat in the accounting.

I know people on Jobseekers’ Allowance who get £54 a week and manage to survive. Only just, but they do..

Elsie may have to choose reduced items in the shops, but so do millions of others. Her life may not be one of luxury but I see no reason why she should be forced to ride the bus all day, too scared to put the kettle on.

Isn't this another cliched story about impoverished pensioners struggling to make ends meet?

The depressing truth is that there are hundreds of thousands of people who are far worse off, and receive zero publicity or sympathy.

Past ministers have shown that they don't know the price of a pint of milk. It appears some journalists/commentators choose not to dig too deeply into the facts of a story.

Nick Haines Allaway Avenue

The common is probably the largest waterfront recreational area on the south coast