Spot the Crank #4

This Gentleman was recently seen shopping for a lawn mower.

Despite the very large cheque in his hand (pictured) his local B&Q were unable to help as he refused to buy the machine, insisting that he would rather have it on wet lease terms.

Do you know who it is yet?

Answers on a postcard to

Anyone Left?
HSBC Rail (UK) Ltd
PO Box 29499
London
NW1 2ZF

Axis of IEPvil

***DfT announcement yesterday on changes to IEP bidders***

"Hitachi Europe had been succeeded as an applicant for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) by Agility Trains Ltd (a consortium comprising of Hitachi (Japan) Ltd, Barclays Private Equity and John Laing Projects and Developments).

Bidders are:

• Express Rail Alliance (a consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, Siemens, Angel Trains and Babcock & Brown)
• Agility Trains Ltd (a consortium comprising of Hitachi (Japan) Ltd, Barclays Private Equity and John Laing Projects and Developments)

The tender return date for the Intercity Express Programme is midday, Monday 30 June 2008."

Is the Fact Compiler alone in looking forward to the inevitable NAO enquiry into this extraordinary procurement process?