Keith Mitchell has failed in his bid to become chairman of the Local Government Association, we learn.

Earlier this year the Oxfordshire County Council leader announced his intention to run for the post amid a fanfare of jubilation.

His personal website was plastered with promotional material. But nothing since.

Now comes news he was beaten by Bradford councillor Margaret Eaton OBE in the race to replace Simon Milton.

And we only know that because she has been all over the airwaves in the wake of the Icelandic banking disaster.

Looking on the bright side, as we always try to, Mr Mitchell has been given the job of heading up the LGA's resources panel, whatever that is. The Insider was glad to catch a glimpse of a lesser-spotted political creature in Oxford the other day, one we thought was extinct.

Yes, Mick McAndrews, pictured above, the tough Scot and one-time Oxford city and Oxfordshire county councillor, was seen dressed up in army uniform on a bus.

Let's hope he was on his way to Army cadet training or something similar, not planning a coup to take over at County Hall.

Yesterday, the LGA met to discuss the ongoing financial crisis. While millions of pounds of taxpayers' money appears to be lost, the organisation representing town halls up and down the country met for fresh crisis talks.

But what people want to know is who is likely to foot the bill for the monumental foul-up?

Yep, you've guessed it — probably the good old taxpayer in the form of increased council tax bills due to be sent out in April.

We bet the LGA didn't spend too much time talking about that.

The recent banking crisis is one in the eye for capitalism, according to a rampant democratic socialist.

Mark Fysh, pictured, Oxfordshire Unison branch secretary and a TUC general council member, said: "Those of us that lived and worked through the 1980s remember the big bang, loadsamoney 'I'm alright Jack' view supported by the Thatcherites "What we are witnessing is the abject failure of raw capitalism across the world.

"If we in the public sector behaved in the same way as the markets have, the Press and the public would be baying for mass sackings.

"As the banks are now owned by the people, for the people, what about the railways and the utilities — two more vastly expensive failing organisations?"