Mrs E. Adams does not exist...

[Gromit]

But she might write to you from 10 Downing Street.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13364121

To protect the security of its staff, number 10 sends out letters signed by fictional employees. It seems like a rather bizarre solution and involves deceiving a great many of the general public.

Your sincerely,

Marmaduke Rintintin.

[ChuckFickens]

Jakob Maria Mierscheid has been a member of Germany's parliament (Bundestag) since the 70's and he is entirely fictional.

[jackthehat]

It's been the practise at Number 10 since 2005, apparently.

[Cowtipper]

Cowtipper isn't my real name.

[Old_Geezer]

I knew it, MPs and the government, it's all a front for something far more sinister.

[Cowtipper]

I wonder how much money she makes. I usually expect the politicians to be fake but the staff to be real.

[VHG]

Does anyone really think "Aunt Bessie" of roast potatoes and yorkshire puddings fame really exists?

I see nothing wrong with Number 10 doing it. Apart from security reasons it also means that if people come and go the "names" can stay consistant.

[Gromit]

Aunt Bessie is fake too!!!

[Booldawg]

I dont think the helpful Indian chap from AOLs help centre is called 'Gerald' either!

[whiskeryron]

if we are to accept that No10 can have false names & signatures bandied about how do we actually know that there are no false named voting slips used in elections ?
No they wouldn't really would they ??? Ron.

[ChuckFickens]

As trigger says, it's been common practice in call centres for years, however the accepted way of doing it is either to allocate another name for each person or a identity number so the person can be traced back in the event of a complaint without having to give out their real names.

I 100% agree with number 10 using fake names for their staff, they should ensure that the names are traceable back to a real person internally if necessary though.

[Gromit]

I wonder if David Cameron is ficticious? Did we elect Lord Snooty?

[rowanwitch]

same as call centres giving each operative a false name...hence Kevin and Sophie working in a call centre in Lahore...

[Gromit]

David Cameleon

[Ellipsis]

Interesting to compare the Mirror's take to the Telegraph's

http://www.mirror.co....tter-115875-23124051/

http://www.telegraph....itious-officials.html

Why didn't they just sign it "p.p. David Cameron"?

[rov1100]

We've had fake prime ministers ever since Thatcher left!

[whiskeryron]

rov1100, fake prime ministers STARTED with Thatcher.

[starone]

How can you say Aunt Bessie is not real? Of course she is real and moreover she is living in my freezer.