Sir Ed Davey made a bold statement after unveiling his party’s manifesto for the general election by engaging in unconventional activities like riding a rollercoaster and swinging on a giant swing.
The purpose behind his actions was to demonstrate that the Liberal Democrats are poised to experience a significant surge in seats, marking a remarkable shift towards the party from the Conservatives.
His visit to Thorpe Park in Surrey was just one of the many quirky and sometimes absurd election stunts and photo opportunities that have garnered invaluable publicity for him.
In this election race, he has solidified his position as the master of photo ops, wresting this title from Boris Johnson.
Boris Johnson sporting boxing gloves
Standing as the third party in an election – or even the fourth, considering the Lib Dems secured fewer seats than the SNP in 2019 – can be quite challenging.
Typically, it is the two major parties that dominate headlines in newspapers and receive the most airtime on radio and television. Therefore, gaining attention necessitates strategic thinking and creativity.
Sir Ed has undoubtedly demonstrated these qualities, ensuring that he and his party have not been overshadowed or marginalized by the Tory and Labour powerhouses in election coverage.
Sir Ed Davey descending a waterslide
To be fair, amidst the whimsical antics, there have been some significant messages conveyed.
His impromptu speech at the manifesto launch showcased his fluency, while a heartfelt TV election broadcast emphasizing his care for his disabled son was poignant and impactful.
However, it is his unconventional stunts during this campaign that are likely to leave a lasting impression of Sir Ed.
From being immersed in Lake Windermere to getting wet on a water slide, engaging in a game of tennis, and embarking on a bumpy bike ride, Sir Ed’s stunts aim to not only entertain but also make a political statement. For instance, his plunge into Lake Windermere aimed to underline his party’s crusade against sewage pollution in the UK’s water bodies.
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Falling from a paddle board at Lake Windermere. Pic: Reuters
Signs of Sir Ed’s innovative stunts were evident when the Lib Dems commemorated their impressive by-election victories by demolishing a symbolic blue barrier, setting off a confetti cannon, and driving a “Tory removal van”.
The Liberal Democrats’ Determination to Break Through the ‘Blue Wall’
It was Boris Johnson who earned a reputation for pulling off attention-grabbing stunts during his time as mayor of London, the Brexit campaign in 2016, and his 2019 general election campaign. From the zip wire mishap to kissing a giant fish, smashing through walls, and even donning boxing gloves to emphasize the need to “get Brexit done,” his antics were unforgettable.
Boris Johnson drives a Union flag-themed JCB. Pic: PA
Boris Johnson hanging from a zipwire. Pic: PA
Now, the title of the master of political theatrics seems to have shifted to Sir Ed, closely followed by the flamboyant Nigel Farage, who recently made headlines by posing in a D-Day jeep. Let’s just avoid discussing the milkshake incident.
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The Battle for Number 10, a UK Election Leaders’ Special Event, will air from Grimsby on Sky News on Wednesday.
Sir Ed, however, deserves praise not just for injecting humor into the campaign and providing entertainment for all, but also for effectively using his seemingly frivolous stunts to communicate important political messages. Kudos to him!
With 24 days still remaining until polling day, there’s plenty of time for more eye-catching stunts and photo opportunities.
