It’s what Christmas is all about. Wooing voters and posing awkwardly with your quietly seething wife.
Introducing this year’s batch of politicians’ Christmas cards!
David Cameron
Twice in Royal Dave’s City
The PM’s Christmas card – David and Samantha Cameron return to 10 Downing Street following the 2015 general election pic.twitter.com/jc8I2JpPtq
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) December 11, 2015
First of all it looks like a classic from Cameron. Inoffensive suit, expression and wife, and a reminder to all (and to all a good night) that he’s still in No 10. But actually this year’s offering is doubly smug, because the photo is from the day he was reelected to Downing Street. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Jeremy Corbyn
Bicycle Bell Rock
After a tough year being hammered by the press who think he is an unpatriotic dinosaur, the Labour leader proves us all wrong with a six-year-old stock image of a bike. It’s a nice photo, and perfectly fair if Corbyn chooses to keep his family out of it, but while Cameron’s got the keys to No 10, Corbyn has an unrideable old bike belonging to a stranger.
Nicola Sturgeon
The First Minister Noel
Here’s FM @NicolaSturgeon‘s Christmas card featuring Katie Morag. https://t.co/VpQTjHCcd0 pic.twitter.com/YYZvixbDYd
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) December 2, 2015
Showing again that she is just so damn good at politics while also apparently having a heart, the SNP leader’s card is an original illustration by Mairi Hedderwick of the children’s picture book character Katie Morag. It depicts Morag and her friends from around the world turning up at Sturgeon’s official Edinburgh residence, Bute House, presumably to bitch about the Smith Commission over some mince pies. Plus it will raise a few thousand for Scottish charities.
Nigel Farage
Have Yourself a Merry Little England
More fear than cheer, the Ukip leader’s card isn’t exactly the most festive affair. Also a little disturbing that the image of Britain in comparison with Europe on this card includes fighter jets. Ah, a nice pint and an unexplained war. Makes you proud to be British.
Tim Farron
In the Bleak Mid-Political Winter
Although the Lib Dem leader took the fool-proof political Christmas card approach – ie. getting a child to draw it – there is more to this than meets the eye. A glorious blue and yellow vision of vibrancy and joy? Coalition nostalgia, anyone? And then a little snowman wearing an orange scarf out in no-man’s land on his own, with a naive smile, preparing to melt…
George Osborne
I’m Dreaming of a Tight Christmas
The Austerity Chancellor doesn’t hold back on his Christmas card, commissioning the popular Telegraph cartoonist Matt to draw a little festive picture of a high-vis and hard hat-donning snowman delivering the Budget. Because that’s the best message for Osborne’s long-term economic plan – cold, with little substance, and more stick than carrot. And there’s no sign of the sun shining, so when can we expect to fix the roof?
Ed Miliband
Last Christmas
He’s back, with a beard and a smile. One for the Milifans.
The Home Affairs Select Committee
Good King WencesVaz
Home Affairs Select Committee Christmas Card. pic.twitter.com/3xuJ0cdHGx
— Ed Davey (@EdDavey1) December 9, 2015
This has something to do with Star Wars and a parliamentary select committee. If you understand both of those things, go and get another hobby.
Prince Charles
O Little Town of Buckingham
OK, he’s not a politician but once he’s king he basically will be, right? So ahead of a Charles-run government, here he is looking jolly in a rural setting with Camilla. Makes you feel so much more relaxed about the future, doesn’t it?