Star role for mandarin at Christmas

Permanent Secretary Sir Nick Macpherson's unusual role was revealed by George Osborne as part of a catalogue of red tape unleashed by the cost-cutting Chancellor's refusal to pay 850 for a tree.

Mr Osborne said he had vetoed a repeat of the 850 spent on a Christmas tree for the Treasury last year – and that he would go out and buy a cheaper one himself if necessary.

However, in a message from Sir Nick's office, he was told that the private firm which looks after the Treasury building raised a long series of concerns they could potentially charge for, including who would choose a tree, water it, turn the lights on and off and who would get the decorations.

Mr Osborne said: "In the end the Permanent Secretary had to put the star on the top of the tree because he was the only person in the building cleared to do it."

A Treasury spokesman said the decorations were bought for 36 from Argos – and were expected to last a decade.