Cabinet Minister goes Mini

It's official: downsizing is no longer restricted to car credit customers on a budget. Cabinet Office minister Tom Watson has swapped his chauffeur-driven car for a humble Mini.

Dubbed the "Mini Minister" by the Daily Mail, Watson said he had chosen the car because it had had been assembled by British workers, it was a modern design icon, and it was eco-friendly (the Mini does more miles to the gallon than most company cars).

Of his new vehicle, Watson said: "It might be small but it's Britishmade and has low emissions. It is also a modern design icon, that's good enough for me ... I'm quite broad, but I have no problem getting in and out. I can do my paperwork if I push the seat back."

Junior ministers are normally offered cars such the Vauxhall Vectra, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic, but Watson claims other ministers will follow his lead and choose the Mini.

Most Cabinet ministers use chauffeur-driven, two-litre, Xtype Jaguars, made famous by "Two Jags" Deputy PM John Prescott.

The Government car fleet employs around 200 drivers and costs an estimated £18 million a year to operate.

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