In the Evening Standard of all papers:
Brian Coleman, a senior member of Boris Johnson's administration and leading Barnet councillor, responded to Sharada Osman's appeal for help by telling her that people in her situation should "deal with their own issues".
Ms Osman, 39, today accused him of "hypocrisy" and called for an apology. Part-time student Ms Osman has lived in North Finchley for six years with her six-year-old son Kylan, who has learning difficulties.
She wrote this month to Mr Coleman, who is said to earn almost £120,000 a year, asking for help after her private landlord increased the rent for her home from £950 to £1,100. In an emotional email, unemployed Ms Osman told the Tory Assembly member that she was writing to him "out of desperation in hope that someone can offer some help and guidance". Ms Osman told Mr Coleman that she wanted to avoid having to apply for a council house.
Mr Coleman, chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, replied nine days later and suggested she turn to the private sector, saying: "There will never be enough council houses available."
Ms Osman, who made clear she was living in private, rented accommodation, replied and said: "I am in complete shock by your lack of empathy and regard for my situation."
One hour late Mr Coleman replied and said: "Lack of empathy?????? Councillors simply cannot conjure housing out of thin air and the private sector is your only option. That is a fact.
"I am afraid you have to live in the real world where the country has no money and residents will have to deal with their own issues rather than expecting 'the system' to sort their lives out. This correspondence is now closed."
It's the last line that's the most infuriating, I think; don't bother me again, peasant. I'd also like to point out a common Tory canard, it's been on my mind for a while: "there is no money". No money? Maybe Brian Coleman is paid in kind, perhaps £120,000 worth of pies. He looks jolly enough, like Father Christmas, but in reverse.
Roobin's extra note: as was pointed out in the comment section, thanks to Finchley Methodist Church, a charity, Brian Coleman's monthly rent is £546; half that of his constituent, Ms Osman. Link here. The peasants may not be living in the real world, but Mr Coleman's clearly living in the Land of Chocolate.