Former tax exile supports Tories, having already threatened to leave the country over tax

To be honest, I've always had my doubts about celebrity endorsements, especially given the possibility that even the most seemingly squeaky clean ones have something in their background that may return to haunt them. And today's launch of Conservative proposals for a 'National Citizens Service' had one of those touches that indicates why one should be wary.

Sir Michael Caine was called upon to wax lyrical about the plans. Nice. On the other hand, having been a tax exile for the best part of two decades, I might need to be convinced that his interests are those of the country at large. Indeed, the fact that he publicly announced last year that, if tax rates increased further, he'd be leaving the country, might indicate that far from "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", Conservatives are supported by those whose allegiance is to the country with the lowest tax rates.

I'm assuming that his call for a second chance for the Government won't be appearing on a poster near you anytime soon...