George Osborne plays bingo, fails to impress

HE may have claimed to have turned around the UK’s economic fortunes, but Chancellor George Osborne failed to make a profit as he tried his luck at bingo.

George Osborne during a visit to Castle Bingo in Cardiff. Picture: PA

The Tory MP visited a Castle Bingo outlet in Cardiff today to highlight the UK Government’s recent Budget plan to cut bingo tax.

It was part of three events in south Wales, which also saw Mr Osborne pay a visit to Port Talbot’s steelworks and The Royal Mint in Llantrisant.

Although critics have labelled the way in which the Tory-led administration promoted its decision to cut bingo tax as “patronising” to the working classes, Mr Osborne was greeted with smiles by those enjoying a flutter in the Welsh capital.

George Osborne during a visit to Castle Bingo in Cardiff. Picture: PA

He took part in a £1 main game session alongside bingo regulars, who helped the multi-millionaire keep tabs on his numbers.

Bingo regular Margaret Evans, 73, of Cardiff, who was in the bingo hall at the time at the same time as the Chancellor, said: “He looked like he enjoyed himself.

“I was quite surprised when I came down here today and heard that the Chancellor of the Exchequer - who’s mega rich - would be coming to play a game of bingo.”