Brutal election memes mock soggy Sunak for rain, ironic track and Larry the cat
After months of speculation, Rishi Sunak finally confirmed the date of the General Election today – unfortunately for him downpours in London sparked a torrent of memes at his expense.
Speaking from a lectern in Downing Street, the Prime Minister called the election for July 4 and once more outlined his reasons why he believed voters should back the Conservatives over Labour as he was quickly soaked by the rain.
“I cannot and will not say that we have got everything right,” Sunak said. “No government should. But I am proud of what we have achieved together, the bold actions we have taken and I’m confident about what we can do in the future.”
Sunak’s announcement soon turned to disaster as it quickly became clear he would need to contend with blaring speakers drowning out his speech with D:Ream’s song ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ (used widely in Labour’s 1997 campaign) in addition to the torrential deluge.
But the miserable conditions surrounding the Prime Minister’s announcement proved fertile ground online with many taking the opportunity to lampoon him.
The Trade Union Congress, who have previously hit out at the current government’s anti-union stance, used an image of Sunak standing in the rain to promote collective bargaining. “Forced to work in the rain unnecessarily? Join a union,” it said.
Satirical artist Christopher Spencer, better known as Cold War Steve, uploaded a photoshopped image of Sunak attempting to navigate floodwater rushing down Downing Street following his announcement. X user Mr Roger Quimbly posted a screenshot of Sunak stood in the rain with the caption: “Labour doesn’t have a plan” says man who hadn’t checked the weather forecast.”
Rob Smith posted a photo of former England manager Steve McClaren – who was widely mocked for using an umbrella during a match – and Sunak stood outside Downing Street. “The wally with the brolly, the wally with no brolly.”
A parody X account for Chief Mouser Larry the Cat posted: “Lots of people asking me where I was when Sunak announced the election. I was inside, because it was raining. Only an idiot would have gone out in that.” Brian Harris added using another photo of Sunak in the rain: “Even the UK weather is telling him to **** off. It’s quite a look.”
But footy fans shared their fury online, as the General Election will take place one day before the Euro 2024 quarter finals. Both England and Scotland are in the competition.
The Prime Minister’s decision to go for a July election is a gamble as the Conservatives faced a drubbing the last time they went to the polls that month. The July 5, 1945, poll saw Labour’s Clement Attlee kick Winston Churchill from Downing Street after securing 47.7 per cent of the popular vote and a 145 majority in Parliament.
