TODAY was the big day for Esther McVey. It was time for her leadership speech, as she bids to replace Theresa May as Prime Minister and Tory leader.
On such crucial occasions, many of us have lucky charms we like to take along – to give us comfort, if nothing else.
So, what did McVey take to her presentation? Well...
Esther McVey launch, complete with Margaret Thatcher portrait. pic.twitter.com/OpbMCCyNx0
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) June 10, 2019
Yes, that is a framed portrait of Margaret Thatcher, awkwardly perched in front of McVey as she speaks. It wouldn't surprise us if she had the computer wallpaper set to the same.
An MP who grew in Liverpool actually turned up to her key leadership pitch with a portrait of Thatcher.
Scotland could, without a say, have a prime minister who carries around pictures of Margaret Thatcher to parade at key speeches.
Still, we understand why she did it – why bother setting out policies and motivations to make clear what political figures you look up to, when you can have reporters stare at a portrait of one instead and save you all that bother?
McVey missed out on the full creepiness effect, though. John O'Farrell, one of the writers on Spitting Image, presented her with an offer she might yet take up...
I would have happily lent her my Spitting Image puppet.
— John O'Farrell (@mrjohnofarrell) June 10, 2019
We suspect it'll take more than puppets and portraits to increase McVey's odds of winning the leadership race, though.
With the way the Tory leadership race has been played so far, expect Michael Gove to turn up to his next address with a life-sized cut-out.
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