Let them eat mousse: Fire chief splashes out £2,300 on lunch

London fire authority's chief was condemned today for hosting a "lavish" retirement lunch for a colleague.

Councillor Brian Coleman, Tory chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, even took his mother Gladys to the leaving do which, together with flowers, is said to have cost more than £2,300.

Eight bottles are wine are said to have been served at the lunch at the authority's Southwark headquarters, which was attended by senior officials and authority members.

The authority faces having to make significant savings.

Labour MP Steve Pound said: "It's just about as inappropriate as you can get. While he is cutting the fire service, it's 'let them eat avocado mousse' for the top brass."

Ian Leahair, the Fire Brigades Union executive member for London, added: "Paying for these lavish meals at public expense and taking his mother along is a habit Mr Coleman needs to get out of now that he is advocating massive cuts to the London fire brigade."

But the fire authority defended the expenditure. A spokesman said: "An event was held at fire authority headquarters to minimise costs, in honour of a retiring officer who has given over 30 years of public service. Mrs Coleman did attend in her capacity as the chairman's lady, an official role."

Mr Coleman is pushing through reforms to working patterns among London firefighters. Their shifts will change from nine-hour days and 15-hour nights, to 10.5-hour days and 13.5-hour nights.

Nationwide, the fire service faces cuts of more than 20 per cent but the budget for London will be set next month.

Trio of Orkney salmon with avocado mousse
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Corn-fed Norfolk chicken with date and apple stuffing, roast new potatoes, spinach and carrot parcels with creamed leeks
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Chocolate truffle with vanilla cream sauce
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Wine: Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc, Peaks Pinot Noir
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Coffee with organic chocolate mints