Ministers boast of Duke’s Award wins at Cabinet

DURING Friday afternoon’s Cabinet meeting called by Boris Johnson in the wake of Prince Philip’s death, Health Secretary Matt Hancock piped up proudly to mention his participation as a teenager in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

‘Trust you to have done that, Matt,’ said Mr Johnson with a wry smile.

Not to be outdone, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said he had also earned a badge.

The light-hearted exchange coincides with rumours that the hugely popular scheme should be adapted in some way to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing.

Founded in 1956, it now operates in more than 140 countries, offering adventure and training courses to millions of young people between the ages of 14 and 24, leading to gold, silver or bronze badges.

But which badges did the Ministers win? ‘I’ve already said enough,’ declared Mr Hancock.

‘Sadly, I think we all only got to bronze,’ said Mr Jenrick.

‘Or me at least.’