COMRADE BREZHNEV VISITS HAPPY CHILDEN IN GRATEFUL NORTH

*
This morning's first paper review on Today brought a brief mention for the Times's story about Labour's shameful misuse of its Cabinet tour (and, of course, public money) for party political purposes http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/election_2010/article7031402.ece.
*
James Naughtie clearly didn't think much of it as a story, saying sniffily that "The Times has gone to town on that this morning." The Today programme certainly didn't go to town on it. Nor did the BBC News website. Here's its article on the subject, scintillatingly entitled 'Gordon Brown's cabinet meets in Durham city school' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8521450.stm
*
As it's short I'll quote the whole thing, and you'll see again how the BBC deals with embarrassing news for Labour - by burying it deep inside a pro-Labour puff-piece:
*
Gordon Brown is holding his first Cabinet meeting in a school during a visit by his ministers to Durham.

The prime minister was shown round the £24m Durham Johnston School on Thursday by pupils who gave up part of their half-term holiday.

Security was tight at the school in the Crossgate Moor area of the city, with a strong police presence outside.
* *
The Conservatives have accused Labour of using the taxpayer-funded regional Cabinet meetings for electioneering.

Mr Brown looked impressed with the modern facilities at the 1,500-pupil school on the outskirts of Durham City.

Officially opening the school, he said: "It is the first time the Cabinet has ever met in a school. It is the first time the Cabinet has ever met in the North East.

"I am very pleased to do so at what is an absolutely brilliant school. It is a real privilege for us to be here."

The prime minister watched chemistry students carry out an experiment using Bunsen burners, then chatted to year nine pupils in the library.

Mr Brown introduced the idea of holding the meetings outside Westminster in September 2008, when Birmingham hosted the first such regional gathering since 1921.