Eric Pickles reveals reason for weight - Shropshire Blue
Political heavyweight Eric Pickles has revealed the reason for his portly frame – a fondness for Shropshire blue cheese.
The famously-rotund Cabinet minister said that his enjoyment of the county-inspired cheese is the main reason behind his heavyweight appearance.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government said that while he does not have a sweet tooth, he can't kick his addiction to the dairy product.
"No-one likes being fat. I do try dieting and sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I lapse. I don't like puddings and I can't abide chocolate – I just don't have a sweet tooth. I like crisps, but it's a long time since I had one," he said.
But he added the reason he is fat is down to his favourite cheese.
"It's so high in calorific content you need only rub against it and that's enough," he said. "But I'm surprisingly fit. I had my blood pressure tested a while ago and it was very normal."
According to the British Cheese Board, despite its name, Shropshire Blue has never been made in the county but originates from Scotland.
A spokesman said: "Shropshire Blue has never been made in Shropshire but started out as a Scottish attempt to replicate Stilton cheese but with a subtle twist of adding annatto to the milk."
The cheese is famous across the globe.
