Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Stuart Heritage

What can we learn from David Cameron’s return to the backbench?

David Cameron
David Cameron … no dispatch box, no worries. Photograph: Karwai Tang/Getty Images

On Monday afternoon, David Cameron made his first backbench appearance for 11 years. Now merely the MP for Witney, Cameron sat at the rear of the chamber to attend the Trident debate. Although he reportedly couldn’t find the backbench entrance, fiddled with his phone throughout May’s speech, and left the chamber early once Jeremy Corbyn started talking, he was briefly captured listening intently to proceedings. Here’s an annotated shot.

David Cameron backbencher
David Cameron on the backbench – click arrow to make larger. Composite: PA

1 If David Cameron can’t be the most powerful politician in the chamber, he can certainly look the most interested.

2 A man punching himself in the face in protest at having to sit next to Cameron.

3 Theresa May, staring straight ahead with what’s either intent, resignation or outright regret.

4 The Trident debate is very important, but not as important as the Jigglypuff this guy has just found on the despatch box.

5 Ena Sharples and Minnie Caldwell.

6 Someone just farted, but who?

7 This guy!

8 Billy no mates.

9 Billy even fewer mates.

10 Secretary of State for conspicuous napping.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.