What are you thinking right now, Communications Minister Simon Bridges?

If it was a tactic to try and entice more money for his portfolios ahead of the Budget, calling former Finance Minister Bill English "mean spirited" might backfire on Communications Minister Simon Bridges.

It began as a light-hearted comment to thank another minister, but was ultimately delivered with an unintended, cutting edge.

And Bridges perhaps realised he'd backed himself into a corner just before he made the comment about the man who is now Prime Minister, by asking for it not to be reported.

Unfortunately, that's not how the principle of going "off the record" works, when you're making a public announcement in a packed room of about 100 people.

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His office had invited media to the launch of the new National Cyber Security Unit with the usual understanding the launch speeches are fully reportable.

Where ministers typically rush to agree with everything the Prime Minister has ever said, Bridges made the political faux pas in attempting to give his thanks to his predecessor in the Communications portfolio.

"Can I also acknowledge Amy Adams, who as we know - increasingly under a rather, can I say it without being reported, mean-spirited finance minister - [secured the funding]," he said.

"We wouldn't have got the bid through but Amy did it."

He gained some laughs, and Adams was likely grateful - but at what cost?

The Government's purse strings are now controlled by Finance Minister Steven Joyce - often described as someone who carried out an eight-year apprenticeship under English.

Threat of being branded equally mean-spirited is unlikely to deter him from making the tough financial decisions.

Separately, English is soon to announce a minor Cabinet reshuffle when Education Minister Hekia Parata and Foreign Minister Murray McCully step down from their roles next month.

Might we suggest an easter basket hand-delivered to the 9th floor, Bridges? (You egg).