Ministers accused of wasting taxpayers' cash on mirrors in Whitehall office refurbishment

Costly Vanity Projects

Ministers have come under fire for allegedly splurging on vanity projects by installing mirrors at the Ministry of Justice as part of a £13,000 refurbishment of Whitehall offices. The three mirrors cost a total of £212, sparking criticism from taxpayers.

Opposition Criticism

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones disclosed the expenses in response to a Parliamentary question from Tory MP Sir Ashley Fox. Fox condemned the expenditure, stating that the government should focus on the job at hand rather than indulging in lavish spending.

Taxpayers' Outrage

John O’Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed dismay at the government's apparent disregard for fiscal responsibility. He called the spending a "shocking reflection" of the government's attitude towards waste and urged for more prudent financial management.

Other Expenses

Aside from the mirrors, the refurbishment included the purchase of two bookcases for £64, a freezer for £193, electrical work and cabling for £4,107, and wear and tear repairs amounting to £7,240. The Ministry of Justice defended the spending, stating that it adhered to value-for-money principles.