Near-Miss on the Thames Embankment
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice came within inches of plunging into the River Thames while posing for a photograph to mark the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, according to political editor Martyn Brown. The incident occurred on Tuesday, the same day that commemorated the historic vote in which 17.4 million Britons chose to leave the European Union.
Brown, who was present during the photo shoot, described how Tice agreed to stand on the Thames Embankment wall to capture the best shot with a giant Union Jack. Despite safety concerns, Tice enthusiastically climbed onto the wall, which overlooked the menacing grey-green water below. Brown admitted he was a bag of nerves as the 6ft 3in politician balanced precariously.
Photographer's Demands and a Heated Exchange
Express photographer Jonathan Buckmaster directed Tice through multiple poses, asking for more shots with the flag in different hands. Brown winced with each command, fearing a misstep. Tice remained undaunted, waving the flag vigorously. During the shoot, a passerby shouted profanities at the Brexiteer, to which Tice responded, “It’s always nice to see bitter Remoaners.”
Brown noted that Tice had just arrived from what he described as a “proper lunch,” which the journalist interpreted as code for a boozy meal, potentially explaining Tice’s daring confidence. The heatwave sun added to the tension, but Tice eventually descended safely after completing video footage.
Political Context: Starmer's Resignation and Burnham's Return
After the photo shoot, Tice and Brown walked back across Westminster Bridge, discussing the week’s major political story: Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. The Prime Minister had stepped down 24 hours earlier, delivering an emotional speech outside No. 10 about his wife and children. Political journalists quickly turned their attention to Sky News’s helicopter coverage of Andy Burnham’s train from Manchester to London, signaling the “King of the North’s” Westminster comeback.
Brown witnessed Burnham being sworn in as an MP and posing for selfies with Labour backbenchers. Burnham later avoided PMQs, sparing Sir Keir and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch an awkward confrontation. Badenoch attended the Tories’ annual Summer fundraising party, themed “Great British Heroes,” where she wore a shimmering Boudica dress. Brown spoke with her briefly, and she hinted she would be cordial to Burnham in PMQs “only if he’s sensible and does things I like.”
