Wanted - fall guy

"Mug to take responsibility for a notoriously unmanageable government department, keep his head down, and uncomplainingly take the blame for his predecessor’s manifold mistakes.  Superlative skills in turd polishing an advantage."

It is hard not to feel some sympathy for Alistair Darling. He not only took on the job from hell, but the previous incumbent was his new boss. Yet still, he tried his best and showed early promise despite events conspiring against him.

And, whatever the man’s many faults, at least he is not Ed Balls.