Members warned on cars for Labour gala

MINISTERS had to be warned not to abuse their official limos after several tried to get a free ride to a Labour Party fundraiser with Tony Blair, official files have revealed.

A top official reminded all Coalition ministers about “propriety” after a flurry of applications to use the Government Car Service (GCS) ahead of the gala event in Glasgow.

The memo, released by the National Records of Scotland, was included in a file giving civil servants a “Rough Guide” on working with ministers.

Dated December 10, 2003 and titled Transport arrangements for Labour Party Dinner, it was sent on behalf of then Permanent Secretary John Elvidge.

It said: “GCS have received a number of requests for transport to be provided to and from a Labour Party function tomorrow evening.

“Where there is a business case for it, I understand it is normal practice for a minister to be dropped off at a party or personal event for an official engagement.

“But I should remind you of the provisions of the Ministerial Code at paragraph 7.16(a) which states that for propriety reasons ‘official transport should not normally be used for travel arrangements arising from party business, except where this is justified on security grounds’.

“I would be grateful if you would bear these provisions in mind when arranging official cars. Security advice is available... should it be required.”

In the event, the prime minister pulled out the dinner at the last minute to attend an EU meeting in Brussels and then UK health secretary John Reid stepped in to speak.

In 2017, SNP cabinet ministers were criticised for using seven official cars to leave the SNP election manifesto launch at Perth Concert Hall.

The Government said they were travelling onward to official duties.