Taking Stock - Lead runners scramble for Accountancy Age Budget

The Accountancy Age Budget hurdles lurched into deeper controversy this week with several different stables calling for a steward’s inquiry. The hurdles, as all of you will know by now, ranks the leading Budget commentators in terms of media mentions. And with the dust now settling on Tuesday’s Budget, it’s already clear that there hasn’t been a controversy like this since the Grand National was called off. Chantrey Vellacott was the first in the paddock urging the Accountancy Age stewards to take into account a mention of the firm’s Budget work in the Commons. Then PwC stormed in, mumbling something about the scoring system failing to take into account John Whiting’s 12 radio appearances in a week. We recognise neither parliament nor radio, however. Anyway, to this week’s results. John Whiting has moved into apparently unassailable lead with three mentions. Chantery Vellacott’s Maurice Fitzpatrick matched him all the way with three mentions of his own. But his results from this week were later disqualified for illegal use of his whip. Maurice wrote a letter to The Times, a criminal act of self-promotion at such a sensitive time. John is now on a total of 10 while Maurice, his only rival, languishes on six. Of the other runners and riders only KPMG’s Ian Barlow is worth a note. Still no tax mentions but Ian Barlow of the Lynher Windows Plymouth and District Snooker League maintained his run of form. With breaks of 52 and 46, Ian helped Trelawney B to victory in a tough match with Victoria D. Good performance, Ian.