In a revealing look behind the lens, the Press Association's chief political photographer has selected his most memorable images from a dramatic year in British politics. Stefan Rousseau, who has photographed every prime minister since John Major, shared the stories behind the shots that captured both the accidental and the unexpected in Westminster and beyond.
Kneeling for a Trade Deal: The Image That Defined a Summit
One of the most striking political photographs of 2025, according to Rousseau, was taken at the G7 summit in Canada in June. It depicted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a moment of high diplomacy and slight farce. During an outdoor bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, the president brandished the newly agreed UK-US trade deal. As he opened his folder, the papers tumbled to the ground.
Sir Keir Starmer promptly knelt to retrieve them, creating an image of a British leader at the feet of the American president. Rousseau, recognising the moment instantly, said a Downing Street official half-joked, "You're not going to file that are you?" The photographer, however, knew the powerful image was impossible to withhold.
Badenoch's Trigger Discipline Mishap
A visit by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch to Carver Barracks in her north-west Essex constituency in January 2026 produced another unforgettable frame. While viewing military hardware and engaging with soldiers from the 35 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, Badenoch was handed a rifle.
As she continued her conversation, she unwittingly pointed the weapon directly at a serviceman, a clear breach of basic firearm safety. Rousseau, positioned just feet away, confirmed the proximity was no trick of the camera. The incident was later rectified when Mrs Badenoch was allowed to handle a weapon safely inside an armoured vehicle.
Starmer's Reluctant Dance and Backstage Moments
Rousseau's portfolio also highlights the more human and relaxed side of political figures. During a two-day trip to India in October, Sir Keir Starmer attended a Diwali ceremony. After lighting candles, local dancers coaxed the typically reserved Prime Minister into joining a traditional performance. "He was initially reluctant but they kept beckoning him to take part. He did so for about three seconds!" Rousseau recalled.
Another intimate set of images emerged at the Labour conference in Liverpool. On the eve of his keynote address, Starmer was rehearsing his speech in the empty hall. His wife was present, and Rousseau captured the couple looking relaxed and sharing a light-hearted moment on the stage. These natural, behind-the-scenes pictures offered a rare glimpse of the personal dynamic within the Prime Minister's life.
Through these curated images, Stefan Rousseau provides a unique visual narrative of the year, showcasing that beyond the prepared statements and staged events, British politics remains full of unscripted and revealing incidents.
