Portrait of the Queen unveiled at DCLG

By Jonathan Isaby

In his previous guise as Conservative Party chairman, Eric Pickles ensured that a portrait of the Queen was installed at CCHQ.

Now, as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, he has done the same at his new offices, where he was shocked to discover that no portrait of the monarch existed - despite the department being the legal title holder of the Government’s civil estate on behalf of the Crown.

Pictured above is the unveiling taking place at the DCLG's HQ at Eland House, with Minister of State Greg Clark and Acting Permanent Secretary Irene Lucas.

Mr Pickles explained his reasoning:

“The Queen has an extremely important role to play in unifying people, no matter what their social background, race or religion. I’m delighted this portrait has now been given pride of place in the building and I hope it will encourage other government departments, councils and businesses to follow suit."

The cost of the portrait was covered by making ministers and special advisers share one set of papers and periodicals rather than taking seven separate sets.