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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
James Walsh

The 10 strangest moments of general election night

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May, center, stands next to candidate ‘Lord Buckethead’ in Maidenhead.
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May, center, stands next to candidate ‘Lord Buckethead’ in Maidenhead. Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

1) That exit poll, which was just too much for some of you.

That shock exit poll at 10pm on Thursday showed a hung parliament, which would see the Conservatives as the largest party but far from the mandate Theresa May’s supporters were expecting. It was all too much for some:

2) The glee of George Osborne

ITV had the big beasts of the previous era - Ed Balls and George Osborne - leading their election night coverage. Osborne, the chancellor turned newspaperman, could barely contain his glee at the mixed night for May’s Brexit election. All from a journalistic standpoint, we’re sure.

3) This glorious Emily Thornberry sass

Labour’s Emily Thornberry was on spiky form on the BBC’s general election program. When David Dimbleby asked whether the developing situation meant a “coalition of chaos” or just chaos, Thornberry wondered whether the same question had been put to the Tories.

4) This excruciating high five attempt

On a pretty triumphant night for Corbyn and his supporters, there was one moment of high five high comedy, as he tried to celebrate his win with the aforementioned Thornberry.

5) Lord Buckethead...

As is traditional, a large number of ridiculous candidates stood on in the prime minister’s constituency, providing a strong and stable backdrop as May attempted to explain that the night hadn’t been a disaster for her leadership.

Arise, Lord Buckethead.

6)... And Mr Fishfinger

Tim Farron managed to cling on to his seat, defeating a strong challenge from Labour and a man dressed as a fish finger.

7) The end of Nick Clegg

The Lib Dems made some gains, particularly in south west London. But Nick Clegg’s hold over the People’s Republic of South Yorkshire (better known as Sheffield Hallam) was ended by Labour, returning us to a land of Nick Clegg looking sad memes.

8) Those rumoured Amber Rudd recounts

It is gone 3am. Rumours that Amber Rudd may have lost her seat are everywhere. Has there been a recount? Will we ever get a result in Hastings?

She clung on in the end.

9) Endless fields of wheat jokes

For at least an hour, social media was little but schadenfreude-related fields of wheat jokes. Safe to say, Theresa May need to update her naughtiness list.

10) Farewell, Alex Salmond

Amber Rudd may have survived, but Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader, was unseated by the Conservatives, in order to spend more time with his ice lollies.

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