Considering she voted just two weeks ago against giving police officers an overdue pay rise, it was pretty brave of Home Secretary Amber Rudd to show her face at last night’s police bravery awards.

Brave or totally shameless. Despite their differences, the Police Federation graciously invited Rudd to present some officers with their awards.

But they weren’t going to let her leave without cracking a couple of gags at her expense and making their feelings clear about the Government’s contempt for public servants.

In his introductory speech, Police Federation chair Steve White said:

“A very warm welcome back for the Home Secretary, for whom last year was her first Bravery Awards. Indeed it was her first day in the job. So I think happy anniversary is in order as well. “And let’s be honest on the 8th of June, you may have thought it had been your last [Bravery Awards] last year.”

And, to loud cheers from Britain’s bravest officers, he added:

“We’re very glad that you are here as Home Secretary to celebrate and be in awe of our brave officers. “And, Home Secretary, thank you for agreeing to present an award later…would that be the 2.8% pay award that we asked for?”

You can watch it for yourself below from 4.45m:

Rudd took it on the chin and presented the national bravery award to three police officers who tackled a gun wielding man in a pub.

One of the three winners, Michael Otterson, shared this post on Twitter last month:

As Amber Rudd learned at last night’s dinner, you can’t have your cake and eat it. You either respect public servants enough to pay them properly or you don’t.

The Tories are walking a thin blue line…