As Makerfield voters head to the polls, the great and good of UK politics are all togged out and ready to roll, showcasing a range of sartorial choices that may speak volumes about their personalities and campaigns.
The Significance of Political Fashion
The sartorial choices of politicians and their spouses perhaps mean more than they should. Sir Keir Starmer has mastered the ‘centrist dad’ look with his bomber jackets and Adidas Gazelles, but has it done anything for his image? Feeling the pressure of the public eye, Samantha Cameron famously employed the styling of Isabel Spearman. And Rishi Sunak was forced to issue a fulsome apology to the Adidas ‘Samba community’ after they accused him of ruining the look when he wore a box fresh pair during an interview.
Makerfield By-Election Fashion Highlights
It has been interesting to see the great and good of UK politics all togged out in Makerfield today, on byelection polling day. Reform UK’s candidate Rob Kenyon turned up to vote wearing a replica England football top. After all, he’s a normal bloke, as he has repeatedly told us. The party’s ‘white van man’ posted an image of himself on X behind the wheel with Nigel Farage alongside a caption that read: “Just arrived to cast my vote in the by-election. Something Andy Burnham cannot do.”
His cheerleader Farage has turned up to the constituency wearing Michael Portillo style trousers and an undone double-breasted jacket. It’s a look that quickly reminded me of David Byrne’s Very Big Suit, and I half expected Farage to croon: “You may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile” in Mr Kenyon’s direction.
Rupert Lowe's Shark Tie
Restore Britain’s Rupert Lowe is also in the constituency today and was pictured with his party’s candidate Rebecca Shepherd, who has so far eluded the M.E.N. Mr Lowe was wearing a light beige suit akin to that of a foreign correspondent and a pink tie patterned with tiny sharks when he was mobbed by press opposite Labour’s campaign headquarters.
Andy Burnham's Sunday Best
Labour’s Andy Burnham meanwhile says he is in his ‘Sunday best’ for polling day, which translates to a navy blue cardigan, white shirt and what looks like a pair of Clark’s Wallabees. It’s a signature everyman look for the mayor on what may turn out to be the most important day of his political career so far. Of course Mr Burnham’s fashion choices have been the subject of several column inches. The mayor’s jackets have been a particular point of focus, with Vogue once describing the jacket he wore during his famous Bridgewater Hall press conference as “an Orwellian Proletariat jacket in a deep navy hue, akin to garments worn by Winston in 1984.” It later ended up in the People’s History Museum, with Mr Burnham telling The Guardian he had wanted to wear a raincoat instead, but he was dismayed by his wife who said “they’ll think you’re sponsored by North Face”.
Celebrity Supporters
Competing with the candidates for the best dressed man in Makerfield are former Speaker of the House John Bercow, who has turned up to support Mr Burnham while sporting a blue golfing shirt. And actor Hugh Grant, who appeared at Stubshaw Cross Club last night in a white shirt and shades while Mr Burnham was addressing his supporters.
Count Binface's Space Warrior Cape
But none of them cuts a dash quite like Count Binface. He is said to be on his way to Makerfield from his home planet of Sigma IX just in time for tonight’s election count. But he’s posted a picture on X ahead of his appearance wearing his usual regal cape, silver and black armour and, obviously, a bin. He might not win the byelection, but he’s won the style wars.
