Even when one of the otters he looked after bit off part of a finger on each hand. he didn't blame the animal at all, just his own stupidity in reaching out to the otter while holding a cardigan full of the scent of a visitor to the cottage.
But, as I said at the start, at least a small part of me can't help thinking Mr Osborne will be a little bit grateful, when he stands up on Budget day, that Robert Chote has reminded everyone how independent he is, even if Downing Street does not feel that way today.