General Election 2017: Memorable moments around England
9 June 2017
As the country faces up to a hung parliament following an election which saw Theresa May's Conservatives stumble and Jeremy Corbyn's Labour surge, here are some other unforgettable things that happened around England on election night and the morning after. The Conservative MP for North East Somerset arrived at the count fully stocked up with sandwiches, all tidily packed up in plastic boxes. And what delights were within? Turkey, egg and cress - and tongue. "I didn't make them myself," he said, without telling us who did. Young voters deliver Labour gains England's election night in pictures What happens when no-one wins an election? In Maidenhead, Berkshire, Lord Buckethead finished seventh out of the 13 candidates who stood in the prime minister's constituency with 249 votes. It was the third time he'd gone up against a prime minister - standing against Margaret Thatcher in 1987 in Finchley and John Major in 1992 in Huntingdonshire. His policies included bringing back Ceefax. Everyone at the Mansfield count in Nottinghamshire seemed surprised by the Conservative candidate Ben Bradley's shock win - even the returning officer. After taking to the stage, she mistakenly declared Labour's candidate, Sir Alan Meale, had been elected. After cheers and shouts from onlookers, and smiles from the candidates behind her as she realised her error, she first put her hand to her mouth before saying: "I'm so sorry, I declare that Benjamin David Bradley has been elected and I do apologise." A demonstrator joined the gaggle of people at the end of Downing Street, waiting for Theresa May to return from her meeting with the Queen. He'd kindly brought this "leuser" sign along. If you're concerned wearing a rosette won't quite convey your political colours, why not take a leaf out of this Corbyn-supporter's book? A pair of brightly-coloured leggings will set you back about PS30. They're also available with the faces of Donald Trump and Francois Hollande, Political artist Kaya Mar wields a painting of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, David Davis and Liam Fox. Not sure why the men appear to be naked. Independent candidate for Cumbria's Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency Paul Ellis, also known as Mr Fish Finger, puts a cheery thumbs up at Kendal Leisure Centre at the Westmorland and Lonsdale count. He managed to win 309 votes, prompting international bafflement. A tweet from Spain said:" ?Por que tan poquitos?" or "why so few?" Why indeed. Understandably, the street on the day after an election is a hive of activity, with the media gathered outside Number 10. Less frenzied are the two resident cats - Larry from the prime minister's abode and Palmerston from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. No matter the outcome of the election and who's in power, the cats remain in their homes. They just have a change of staff. Larry has even been tweeting:
A demonstrator joined the gaggle of people at the end of Downing Street, waiting for Theresa May to return from her meeting with the Queen. He'd kindly brought this "leuser" sign along.
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A nice welcome home?