David Burt, the Premier, yesterday took a temporary break from his role as a tough “taskmaster” by having his Cabinet don Santa hats for a festive photoshoot.

Lining up in the grounds of City Hall, Cabinet ministers, including Mr Burt, wore hats with the word “Nice” emblazoned on the front.

However, what may be less well known is that the word “Naughty” was stitched into the reverse of the hats.

It is yet to be made clear if the real Santa is aware of the hidden message.

Despite all the festive cheer generated by Mr Burt’s gesture, a Grinch was revealed among the Cabinet.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, refused to don his Santa hat despite much coaxing from his Cabinet colleagues.

Mr Burt did not comment on this startling omission. However, he did take time to tell The Royal Gazette: “I said at our last Cabinet meeting that as much of a taskmaster as I am, we will not be having a Cabinet meeting on Boxing Day.

“I said we would put everyone in hats and have a picture outside. There is serious business all the time but there is a little time to relax as well.”