Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch's lunchtime sandwich split
Source of the image: PA Media
Many voters express frustration about how politicians seem alike, but a distinct contrast has now become evident between the leaders of the two major parties.
In a conversation with The Spectator, Kemi Badenoch, the external leader of the Conservative Party, stated, "Lunch is for the weak. I prefer to have my meals delivered while I continue to work."
"I don’t have much time... occasionally, I treat myself to a steak. I’m not really into sandwiches. To me, sandwiches aren’t a proper meal; they're more of a breakfast option."
She mentioned that she wouldn't handle bread if it’s wet.
When questioned about her remarks, a spokesperson for No 10 stated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sees sandwiches as a significant part of British culture.
I believe he was taken aback to learn that the opposition leader enjoys having steak delivered for lunch.
The prime minister is really pleased with a lunch of sandwiches.
The spokesperson mentioned that Starmer "likes to have a tuna sandwich and sometimes indulges in a cheese toastie."
In reaction to the criticism, Badenoch took to social media to express, "The Prime Minister can find a moment to reply to my lunch jokes, yet he doesn’t have a moment for the farmers who grow our food."
Nigel Farage, famous for his long lunches filled with drinks, has also joined the discussion.
In a social media video, the leader of Reform UK mentioned that he found lunch to be "quite enjoyable" while he enjoyed a glass of red wine at a restaurant.
Jim Winship from the British Sandwich Association responded sharply to Badenoch's remarks, as one might expect.
He mentioned to Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Isn't it ridiculous? We consume 3.5 billion sandwiches produced by companies each year; this is a part of our culture."
The earliest known sandwich dates back to 1762, when the Earl of Sandwich requested some slices of beef to be served between pieces of toast so that he could eat while enjoying a game of cards.
"Since that time, sandwiches have been a popular choice for many."
While sandwiches are a staple of British culture, Badenoch isn't the only one who has a strong aversion to them.
Earlier this month, actress Anna Maxwell Martin explained to The Sun, "Whenever I'm on a film set and they bring out sandwiches – I can barely even say that word – I find myself saying, 'Please take that away.'"
Image credit: Getty Images
In 2014, Ed Miliband, who was the leader of the Labour Party at the time, garnered a lot of attention with his bacon sandwich incident.
Sandwiches can be an unexpectedly challenging topic for politicians in the UK.
Badenoch's former counterpart as the Conservative leader, Rishi Sunak, faced some playful mockery during the general election. This happened when he was asked on ITV's This Morning about his favorite meal, and he answered with "sandwiches."
Ex-Labour leader Ed Miliband faced ridicule for having a bit of trouble eating a bacon sandwich, an image that ultimately contributed to undermining his chances of becoming Prime Minister.
Dominic Raab made news when a former staff member disclosed the sandwich choices of the then Conservative minister.
She mentioned to the Daily Mirror that he requested the same lunch from Pret A Manger each day.
Every day, he orders the chicken Caesar and bacon baguette, a SuperFruit pot, and a Vitamin Volcano smoothie. It's quite unusual. We like to call it the Dom Raab Special.
Raab strongly rejected the accusation, humorously commenting that he was now receiving unsolicited offers for complimentary sandwiches from Subway.
