The best social responses to Boris Johnson’s partygate from brands, activists & creatives
This week UK prime minister Boris Johnson apologized for attending a drinks event in Downing Street’s Garden during the lockdown in May 2020 and naturally Twitter users had a lot to say about the trending topic.
Ryanair's Twitter post mocking Boris Johnson
Brands are humorously inserting themselves into the conversation with memes, gifs and quick-witted copy, while creatives have been using the headlines to mock up satirical visual work and organizations are jumping on the story to further their initiatives. Here’s a round-up of the best reactions so far.
First up was Ryanair who used the 'I Wish I Was At Home (Playing Videogames)' meme which is often adapted to depict someone as anxious and uncomfortable at parties.
Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020 pic.twitter.com/pFqIz6dIqr
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) January 12, 2022
The budget airline also poked fun at The Sun's deputy editor, and former PM aide James Slack who is the latest person to be embroiled in the scandal.
Downing Street right now #jamesslack pic.twitter.com/qWgOPVTUXY
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) January 14, 2022
Craft-brewers Beavertown weighed in on the BYOB (bring your own booze) aspect of the story by stating that if you're confused as to which type of event you're attending you could bring its alcohol-free IPA 'Lazer Crush'.
#CrushJanuaryhttps://t.co/Jz3ln3uX17 pic.twitter.com/opDbCSJspz
— Beavertown Brewery (@BeavertownBeer) January 12, 2022
On a more serious note, activism group Led By Donkeys pointed out that on the day of the number 10 party, the Metropolitan Police had issued a statement laying down the ground rules of the lockdown.
On the day Boris Johnson hosted an illegal party in Downing Street, @MetPoliceUK posted a tweet laying out the law. Time for a criminal investigation (Location: Scotland Yard) pic.twitter.com/XM94p2Rvvo
— Led By Donkeys (@ByDonkeys) January 11, 2022
Using footage from its 2021 campaign 'Wasteminster: A Downing Street Disaster', environmental activist organization Greenpeace UK has made reference to the number of parties being brought to light by joking about the probable extent of the empty bottles of booze.
Contrary to what you might think, these aren't just @BorisJohnson's empties the day after a party... pic.twitter.com/ExQJSagWDt
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) January 14, 2022
In light of recent reports of a further Downing Street party in which staff stocked up on a 'suitcase of wine', reportedly purchased from The Co-Op, the supermarket chain has been replying to Twitter users making jibes at the news headlines.
I'm afraid we don't sell wine by the suitcase. Only by bottle. If you want to bring your own suitcase feel free.
^Cat
— Co-op (@coopuk) January 14, 2022
British visual artist David Shrigley responded to the news in a typically satirical way with a sketch depicting the famous Number 10 front door.
— David Shrigley (@davidshrigley) January 12, 2022
Digital sculptor Pierre Benjamin turned the Prime Minister into an NFT titled 'Eton Mess'. The digital asset depicts a clown-like Boris Johnson holding wine and cheese while donning a party hat and is part of his Crypto Stars 333 Collection.