The appointment of David Sutton to the Berkshire Economic Strategy Board has prompted cries of cronyism and jobs for the boys after he was appointed as Reading's representative by his friends on the council for services rendered.

On his appointment Mr Sutton said: "I didn't think it was going to be as easy as all this after being turfed out by the voters.

"So sod that politics lark. Unelected appointments to remunerated bodies is the way forward. First Reading Buses and now South East Diamonds, it's easy street for a few days work a year! I also do a lot of work for charidee. I've now more than made up for my loss in councillor allowances already, and with all the expenses I can eat, I don't have to go back to the morons of Reading to beg for my old job back. Cushty!"