In these days of worldwide Bear Markets, Paddington thought he had it made in the shade. That is until voters were reminded of the origins story behind the story.
At first the British public was completely emamoured. His humble beginnings as a waif with a striking sense of fashion and color, found in a railway station, helped P. Bear to his current post as Transportation secretary. After the firing of John Bull as the economics guru, Bear thought his cautious views on the markets would grease his way to the position.
Just days before the expected promotion and Bear's emergence from his winter hibernation certain vicious whispering began.
Genealogical experts began digging into his pre-train station origins and many readers familiar with his story began remembering something about South American roots. Sure enough, the tabloids came up with the candidate's birth certificate which lists his place of birth as Darkest Peru.
His fate seemed sealed when the Royals started to refer to him as Alpaki.
Some suggest that Bagpuss may be the next best choice in light of the Buckingham fraternity's liking for such and such.
