Tories buy Theresa May £650 bag and £500 necklace in epic leaving gift whipround
Tory Cabinet ministers have bought Theresa May a £650 handbag and a £500 necklace in an epic leaving present whip round.
Even the most ardent plotters coughed up £50 a head for the lavish gifts presented to Mrs May at her final Cabinet meeting this morning.
She was given a Sophia Leather Bucket Bag with Albany Silk Scarf, along with a clutch bag, from high-end London department store Liberty.
And she was given an onyx Hirondelles necklace by Parisian glassmaker Lalique with crystal swallows – an sign of a new beginning.
There was no sign of austerity as ministers forewent an almost identical Liberty bag that was on sale for £195, and went for the £650 version instead.
The whip round was organised by Environment Secretary Michael Gove , who bought the gifts with his columnist wife Sarah Vine.
It’s understood that, together with the clutch bag, the gifts came to nearly £1,500.
After years of plotting against Mrs May, two-faced Tories clapped and banged the Cabinet table in a show of appreciation for the outgoing premier.
The PM’s spokesman said: “On behalf of the Cabinet, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster ended by thanking the Prime Minister for her great dedication to public service and her commitment to the Union.”
The spokesman added: “The PM said the Government could be proud of the progress made.
“Particularly in tackling the burning injustices such as access to mental health treatment.
“The PM thanked the Cabinet for all they have done during her premiership, which she said had done much to improve people’s lives.”
