Dannatt: Only a 'Lidl' expense

At last, a leader worth his salt. One who speaks the truth but also shops for food at Lidl supermarkets.

Legion magazine editorial

Published: 24 August 2009

The low-budget Sir General Richard Dannatt, who is due to retire this week, has come out gleaming after details of his expenses claims were published just a few days before his retirement.

Gen Dannatt, who spoke out last week about the need for far more resources on the front line for troops, has claimed less than £20,000 for official entertaining over the past four years. The itemised list includes £5 pound-a-head meals from Tescos and Lidl and even a bottle of wine for £1.49.

An MoD spokesman said: "As Head of the Army, the Chief of the General Staff undertakes official hosting and entertaining of both overseas and United Kingdom dignitaries.

"This is an important part of his remit to assist in the improvement of international relations, to promote the British Army and to facilitate a wider public understanding of its role.”

It is thought that Labour MPs used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the list, in order to slur the General’s name before he retires. If true, what a bitter pill to swallow!

An example to all those MPs, Gen Dannatt can step down from his post in the safe reassurance that his reputation, which was always intact, will be revered by members of the forces and the general public for many years to come.