Rishi Sunak draws Alan Partridge comparisons as internet mocks PM for skipping D-Day event
Rishi Sunak is facing backlash after he admitted to skipping out early on a poignant D-Day 70th Anniversary memorial to fly back to the UK for an interview with ITV.
The prime minister has made a string of gaffes since he announced the general election in the pouring rain without an umbrella last month and his latest setback has attracted even more mockery from the internet.
After being widely criticised for cutting short his visit to France, Mr Sunak admitted on Friday he had blundered.
He said: “It was a mistake and I apologise.”
But it didn’t appear to be enough for the internet. Here are some of the best reactions:
“GET OUT OF MY WAY OLD MAN, PAUL BRAND IS WAITING” pic.twitter.com/hgbSjInFQn
— Godspeed You Black Tamperer (ft Maya) (@twlldun) June 7, 2024
The Alan Partridge/ Rishi Sunak comparisons don’t appear to be going anywhere soon.
"Would it be terribly rude to stop listening to you and go and do an interview with Paul Brand from ITV?" pic.twitter.com/R0PI4Ew6Cw
— MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) June 7, 2024
— Jake Warren (@TheJakeWarren) June 7, 2024
Dramatic archival footage reveals yesterday’s evacuation of Sunak and his press team from Sword Beach pic.twitter.com/KHfjD8QRvq
— Gareth (@Cadmarch) June 7, 2024
https://t.co/v16ZrLn1O5 pic.twitter.com/NO6U1qWDaV
— christhebarker (@christhebarker) June 7, 2024
Others pointed out the irony in Rishi Sunak wanting 18-year-olds to undertake national service as one of his key election pledges.
It’s a bit unrealistic to expect teenagers to do a year of national service when today Sunak couldn’t do a full day of it.
— Glen Mitchell 🇺🇦 🐝 🌹🌈 (@GlenMitchell1) June 6, 2024
I've been asked by a teenager why she is being made to do national service by a Prime Minister who won't do his. https://t.co/LHWrF2t5bW
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) June 7, 2024
Some X users weren’t impressed with Mr Sunak’s attempt at an apology.
"During the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations I was bending down to lay a wreath, when a passing helicopter taking part in an airlift demonstration unexpectedly picked me up by my belt, this turned out to be the ITV traffic helicopter and took me back to their studio." pic.twitter.com/LLgjAk2B8e
— Colin the Dachshund (@DachshundColin) June 7, 2024
One parody account is trying to keep up with the latest gaffes by Mr Sunak.
OK.
APART from:
Rishi being photobombed by a Lib Dem boat
Looking like Mickey Mouse
Lying on a major TV debate
Leaving D-Day celebrations early
The upside down Union Jack
Being just 2 points ahead of Reform in the polls.
This has been another GREAT campaign week for us Tories!
👏 pic.twitter.com/aiP0CPIWG0— Sir Michael Take CBE (@MichaelTakeMP) June 7, 2024
Others wondered what is next in the pipeline for the man trying to run the country for the next five years.
Since the D-Day snub has gone so well. what have Sunak’s genius advisers got planned next to test how low they can drive their poll numbers? Have him push David Attenborough down the stairs? Ban fish and chips? Put Paddington Bear on a flight to Rwanda?
— Patrick Kidd (@patrick_kidd) June 7, 2024
Some commentators are already looking to the next Conservative leader.
David Cameron is shown faded out as he's no longer a playable character. https://t.co/U3C9OPYbr7
— dan barker (@danbarker) June 6, 2024
And finally, you don’t want to be getting the Paddington treatment this close to polling day.
Friday pic.twitter.com/v9L9k8ldUG
— Mo' (@mocent0) June 7, 2024
It came as Mr Sunak was told that he had “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early.
Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Colonel Stuart Crawford who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
