It will be remembered as the year the Brexit deadlock was finally broken.
But amid all the chaos and conniving, 2019 had its comic moments in the corridors of power. Sunday Political Editor David Wooding hands out his annual gongs – The Wooders...
THE WOODERS The highs and lows of politics in 2019 – the year of Brexit, BoJo and boobies
Comment
David Wooding, Sunday Political Editor
29 Dec 2019
The Sun On Sunday
IT will be remembered as the year the Brexit deadlock was finally broken.
But amid all the chaos and conniving, 2019 had its comic moments in the corridors of power. Sunday Political Editor David Wooding hands out his annual gongs – The Wooders.
We take a look back at some of the iconic and memorable moments of British politics this year
FANTASY POLITICS AWARD
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson deluded herself she would be the next PM and toured the land in a coach bearing her giant mugshot on the side.
Deluded Jo Swinson thought she would be the next PM - but didn't even keep her seat
But she didn’t even manage to win her own seat back.
At least it cheered up the second most annoying party leader, the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon, who punched the air in glee at claiming her Scots rival’s scalp.
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson loses Dunbartonshire East seat to SNP's Amy Callaghan
FLIP-FLOPPER OF THE YEAR
You wait two years for a Labour star to jump ship — then he does it twice in a few weeks.
Following his aborted leadership bid, Chuka Umunna launched a new party, Change UK.
Chuka Umunna became so fond of change that he did it twice Credit: Alamy Live News
But he became so fond of change, he did it again and joined the Lib Dems.
Now he’s coping with more change after voters booted him out.
SHORTEST COMEBACK IN HISTORY
Expelled left-winger Derek Hatton is readmitted into the Labour Party after a 34-year wait — only to be kicked out again 48 hours later.
Derek Hatton was readmitted into the Labour Party and then kicked out again 48 hours later Credit: Corbis - Getty
ONE PORN EVERY MINUTE
Comeback king Nigel Farage launched the Brexit Party.
But within hours, pranksters registered its email address as a porn site.
Nigel Farage was swamped with offers of a 'stress-free' massage after the Brexit Party's email address was registered as a porn site
He was swamped with offers from East European women offering a “stress-free” massage.
Bet he needed a rub down after his party bombed in the election.
Nigel Farage tries to defend his position after Andrew Neil says Brexit Party has 'no purpose' after election
OUT OF ORDER, ORDER!
John Bercow stood down as Commons Speaker after ten years and was then accused of demanding £1million to appear on TV’s I’m A Celebrity.
He denied the claims but Brexit-backing MPs would happily have paid Remainer Bercow handsomely to get him out of the Westminster jungle.
John Bercow was accused of demanding £1million to appear on I'm A Celeb Credit: PA
ress Association
CABINET SAUCE OF THE YEAR
Naughty-but-nice Trade Secretary Liz Truss attended The Big Sausage event in Norfolk, saying it was, “ticking rather a lot of my boxes”.
Liz Truss made some tongue-in-cheek comments at The Big Sausage event Credit: Darren Fletcher - The Sun
Asked to try a Gloucester Old Spot banger, she enthused: “That’s one of the best offers I’ve had all year.”
It perhaps explains why Liz enjoyed working in a well-hung Parliament so much.
GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF
Housing minister James Brokenshire showed off his new kitchen which boasts FOUR matching ovens.
James Brokenshire's new kitchen boasted four matching ovens Credit: Alamy Live News
The revelation must have left the PM wondering where to put his “oven-ready” Brexit deal.
It prompted one stunned MP to ask: “Is he running a pizza business on the side?”
GUNNER BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
A miserable year for Jeremy Corbyn as his party and football team tanked.
Jeremy Corbyn assured Arsenal fans he wouldn't be applying to be the team boss
After his election defeat, the Labour leader assured fellow Arsenal fans he wouldn’t be applying for the vacant job of Gunners team boss.
Just as well, as he’d probably borrow £84billion to buy more left wingers and strikers but remain neutral on whether to play in Europe.
SLOUCH OF COMMONS
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg was dubbed “insolent” and “insufferable” when he reclined almost horizontally on the Commons’ green benches during a late-night Brexit debate.
Jacob Rees-Mogg was dubbed 'insolent' and 'insufferable'
He refused to budge, amid cries of, “Sit up, man!”
But the posh wind-up merchant smiled and nodded when one angry MP sarcastically suggested he should be supplied with a pillow.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg was accused of being contemptuous for reclining across the seats in the chamber
BENT POLITICS
Spoon-bending psychic Uri Geller vowed to use his “telepathic powers” to stop Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM.
After the election, he claimed he influenced Boris Johnson’s landslide victory by giving him a spoon energised with “mind positivity”.
Uri Geller claimed he influenced Boris Johnson's landslide victory Credit: Getty - Contributor
SUNK WITHOUT TRACE
Chris “Failing” Grayling quit as Transport Secretary after a string of Brexit planning blunders — including awarding a cross-Channel ferry contract to a firm with no ships.
Chris Grayling quit as Transport Secretary after a string of Brexit blunders
SHRUNK WITHOUT TRACE
Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson shed 7st in two years by giving up sugar and taking up exercise.
Tom Watson shed 7st in two years before quitting as an MP Credit: Getty Images - Getty
He became so thin that Corbynista “assassins” missed their target in a plot to oust him.
Slimline Watson then decided to cast off his *political baggage and quit as an MP.
POLITICAL LIGHTWEIGHT OF THE YEAR
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner has been showered with compliments about her figure after going on a “half-portions” diet.
Angela Rayner quipped 'fat birds don't win elections' after her weight-loss Credit: Rex Features
She quipped: “Fat birds don’t win elections.”
Neither do slim turkeys when Corbyn is leader.
STAIN DEVIL 1
Boris Johnson almost botched his leadership bid after a “screaming row” with his girlfriend over a wine stain on her sofa.
Police were called by neighbours who reported “a lot of smashing” from the home he shared with Carrie Symonds.
There are still secrets surrounding Boris Johnson's 'screaming row' with Carrie Symonds Credit: Getty - Contributor
What happened next remains secret.
Perhaps it was a cover-up — by an upholstery firm.
Police called to Boris Johnson’s home he shares with girlfriend Carrie Symonds after neighbours heard ‘screaming and slamming’
STAIN DEVIL 2
Cops ordered a McDonald’s outlet to stop selling milkshakes during a rally by Nigel Farage in Edinburgh — in case they were used as missiles by customers.
The Brexit Party boss completed the visit unscathed, only to be “milkshaked” in Newcastle.
Nigel Farage was 'milkshaked' in Newcastle Credit: Getty Images - Getty
DOWNING STREET STAR OF DECADE
Loveable No10 pup Dilyn outshines Cameron, May, Johnson and even Larry the Downing Street cat.
No10 dog Dilyn outshines most politicians this year
The seven-month-old Jack Russell-cross from an animal rescue charity moved in with BoJo’s girlfriend Carrie and always steals the show at official receptions.
A real yappy ending.
THE VICTOR MELDREW 'I DON'T BELIEVE IT' AWARD
Hapless Karen Bradley admitted she didn’t believe a word she said as Northern Ireland Secretary.
She dropped a clanger by saying that killings by the military and police during The Troubles were not crimes — then rowed back, insisting: “I want to be very clear. I do not believe what I said. That is not my view.”
Karen Bradley admitted she didn't believe a word she said as Northern Ireland Secretary Credit: EPA
EU-KIPPER OF THE YEAR
Boris Johnson brandished a kipper at his leadership hustings.
But his claim that he couldn’t have it delivered by post because of EU rules proved very fishy.
Boris Johnson brandished a kipper on stage during the leadership election Credit: AFP or licensors
CHANNEL THAW NEWS
Channel 4 replaced no-shows Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage with melting ice sculptures during a debate on climate change.
Viewers probably judged their performance to be less drippy than Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson’s.
Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage were replaced with ice sculptures on Channel 4 Credit: AFP or licensors
HUAWEI WITH YOU
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was sacked after an inquiry into who leaked details of a National Security Council meeting over plans to allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build Britain’s 5G network.
Gavin Williamson was sacked after an inquiry into the Huawei leak but returned to Cabinet soon after Credit: PAress Association
Downing Street said the PM had, “lost confidence in his ability to serve”, but he soon returned to Cabinet.
All sounds a bit, er, phoney.
INCREDIBLE BULK
Boris likened himself to The Incredible Hulk as he vowed to break free from EU shackles.
But when he showed schoolkids an image of the superhero during a school visit, a boy pointed at the huge muscles and said: “You’ve got boobies.”
Boris Johnson likened himself to The Incredible Hulk but it soon backfired with one schoolboy Credit: Getty Images - Getty
BREXIT MARTYR OF THE YEAR
She failed to secure a Brexit deal and lost the Tories’ majority.
Yet Theresa May soldiered on with everyone against her.
Theresa May could prove to be the finest ex-PM Britain ever had Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
When toppled, she didn’t quit Parliament in a huff or carp endlessly from the backbenches but showed more loyalty to her successor than he gave to her.
Mrs May could prove to be the finest ex-PM Britain ever had.
Theresa May blasted Remainer MPs for trying to stop Brexit as she vowed to back Boris Johnson's deal
BREXIT SUPERHERO AWARD
Remainer lawyer Gina Miller blew thousands trying to stop Brexit — but unwittingly helped deliver it.
Remainer Gina Miller unwittingly helped to deliver Brexit Credit: PAress Association
Her court victory gave Brexit-blocker MPs the right to vote down Theresa May’s “soft” departure deal.
But it set off a chain of events that put Bojo in No10 with a majority big enough to force through a much cleaner Brexit. Thanks, Gina.
LEAVERS OF THE YEAR
They spent the past three and a half years plotting to stop Brexit at every turn.
It was good riddance to Dominic Grieve Credit: EPA
But at the General Election, voters sent them a clear message: Leave Parliament.
So good riddance to Dominic Grieve, Anna Soubry, David Gauke, Laura Pidcock, Chuka Umunna, Jo Swinson, Philip Lee, Antoinette Sandbach and Sam Gyimah.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10633405/highs-lows-politics-2019-brexit/
But amid all the chaos and conniving, 2019 had its comic moments in the corridors of power. Sunday Political Editor David Wooding hands out his annual gongs – The Wooders...
THE WOODERS The highs and lows of politics in 2019 – the year of Brexit, BoJo and boobies
Comment
David Wooding, Sunday Political Editor
29 Dec 2019
The Sun On Sunday
IT will be remembered as the year the Brexit deadlock was finally broken.
But amid all the chaos and conniving, 2019 had its comic moments in the corridors of power. Sunday Political Editor David Wooding hands out his annual gongs – The Wooders.
We take a look back at some of the iconic and memorable moments of British politics this yearFANTASY POLITICS AWARD
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson deluded herself she would be the next PM and toured the land in a coach bearing her giant mugshot on the side.
Deluded Jo Swinson thought she would be the next PM - but didn't even keep her seat But she didn’t even manage to win her own seat back.
At least it cheered up the second most annoying party leader, the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon, who punched the air in glee at claiming her Scots rival’s scalp.
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson loses Dunbartonshire East seat to SNP's Amy Callaghan
FLIP-FLOPPER OF THE YEAR
You wait two years for a Labour star to jump ship — then he does it twice in a few weeks.
Following his aborted leadership bid, Chuka Umunna launched a new party, Change UK.
Chuka Umunna became so fond of change that he did it twice Credit: Alamy Live News But he became so fond of change, he did it again and joined the Lib Dems.
Now he’s coping with more change after voters booted him out.
SHORTEST COMEBACK IN HISTORY
Expelled left-winger Derek Hatton is readmitted into the Labour Party after a 34-year wait — only to be kicked out again 48 hours later.
Derek Hatton was readmitted into the Labour Party and then kicked out again 48 hours later Credit: Corbis - Getty ONE PORN EVERY MINUTE
Comeback king Nigel Farage launched the Brexit Party.
But within hours, pranksters registered its email address as a porn site.
Nigel Farage was swamped with offers of a 'stress-free' massage after the Brexit Party's email address was registered as a porn site
He was swamped with offers from East European women offering a “stress-free” massage.
Bet he needed a rub down after his party bombed in the election.
Nigel Farage tries to defend his position after Andrew Neil says Brexit Party has 'no purpose' after election
OUT OF ORDER, ORDER!
John Bercow stood down as Commons Speaker after ten years and was then accused of demanding £1million to appear on TV’s I’m A Celebrity.
He denied the claims but Brexit-backing MPs would happily have paid Remainer Bercow handsomely to get him out of the Westminster jungle.
John Bercow was accused of demanding £1million to appear on I'm A Celeb Credit: PAress AssociationCABINET SAUCE OF THE YEAR
Naughty-but-nice Trade Secretary Liz Truss attended The Big Sausage event in Norfolk, saying it was, “ticking rather a lot of my boxes”.
Asked to try a Gloucester Old Spot banger, she enthused: “That’s one of the best offers I’ve had all year.”
It perhaps explains why Liz enjoyed working in a well-hung Parliament so much.
GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF
Housing minister James Brokenshire showed off his new kitchen which boasts FOUR matching ovens.
James Brokenshire's new kitchen boasted four matching ovens Credit: Alamy Live NewsThe revelation must have left the PM wondering where to put his “oven-ready” Brexit deal.
It prompted one stunned MP to ask: “Is he running a pizza business on the side?”
GUNNER BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
A miserable year for Jeremy Corbyn as his party and football team tanked.
Jeremy Corbyn assured Arsenal fans he wouldn't be applying to be the team boss After his election defeat, the Labour leader assured fellow Arsenal fans he wouldn’t be applying for the vacant job of Gunners team boss.
Just as well, as he’d probably borrow £84billion to buy more left wingers and strikers but remain neutral on whether to play in Europe.
SLOUCH OF COMMONS
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg was dubbed “insolent” and “insufferable” when he reclined almost horizontally on the Commons’ green benches during a late-night Brexit debate.
Jacob Rees-Mogg was dubbed 'insolent' and 'insufferable' He refused to budge, amid cries of, “Sit up, man!”
But the posh wind-up merchant smiled and nodded when one angry MP sarcastically suggested he should be supplied with a pillow.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg was accused of being contemptuous for reclining across the seats in the chamber
BENT POLITICS
Spoon-bending psychic Uri Geller vowed to use his “telepathic powers” to stop Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM.
After the election, he claimed he influenced Boris Johnson’s landslide victory by giving him a spoon energised with “mind positivity”.
Uri Geller claimed he influenced Boris Johnson's landslide victory Credit: Getty - Contributor SUNK WITHOUT TRACE
Chris “Failing” Grayling quit as Transport Secretary after a string of Brexit planning blunders — including awarding a cross-Channel ferry contract to a firm with no ships.
Chris Grayling quit as Transport Secretary after a string of Brexit blunders SHRUNK WITHOUT TRACE
Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson shed 7st in two years by giving up sugar and taking up exercise.
Tom Watson shed 7st in two years before quitting as an MP Credit: Getty Images - Getty He became so thin that Corbynista “assassins” missed their target in a plot to oust him.
Slimline Watson then decided to cast off his *political baggage and quit as an MP.
POLITICAL LIGHTWEIGHT OF THE YEAR
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner has been showered with compliments about her figure after going on a “half-portions” diet.
Angela Rayner quipped 'fat birds don't win elections' after her weight-loss Credit: Rex Features She quipped: “Fat birds don’t win elections.”
Neither do slim turkeys when Corbyn is leader.
STAIN DEVIL 1
Boris Johnson almost botched his leadership bid after a “screaming row” with his girlfriend over a wine stain on her sofa.
Police were called by neighbours who reported “a lot of smashing” from the home he shared with Carrie Symonds.
There are still secrets surrounding Boris Johnson's 'screaming row' with Carrie Symonds Credit: Getty - ContributorWhat happened next remains secret.
Perhaps it was a cover-up — by an upholstery firm.
Police called to Boris Johnson’s home he shares with girlfriend Carrie Symonds after neighbours heard ‘screaming and slamming’
STAIN DEVIL 2
Cops ordered a McDonald’s outlet to stop selling milkshakes during a rally by Nigel Farage in Edinburgh — in case they were used as missiles by customers.
The Brexit Party boss completed the visit unscathed, only to be “milkshaked” in Newcastle.
Nigel Farage was 'milkshaked' in Newcastle Credit: Getty Images - Getty DOWNING STREET STAR OF DECADE
Loveable No10 pup Dilyn outshines Cameron, May, Johnson and even Larry the Downing Street cat.
No10 dog Dilyn outshines most politicians this year
The seven-month-old Jack Russell-cross from an animal rescue charity moved in with BoJo’s girlfriend Carrie and always steals the show at official receptions.
A real yappy ending.
THE VICTOR MELDREW 'I DON'T BELIEVE IT' AWARD
Hapless Karen Bradley admitted she didn’t believe a word she said as Northern Ireland Secretary.
She dropped a clanger by saying that killings by the military and police during The Troubles were not crimes — then rowed back, insisting: “I want to be very clear. I do not believe what I said. That is not my view.”
Karen Bradley admitted she didn't believe a word she said as Northern Ireland Secretary Credit: EPAEU-KIPPER OF THE YEAR
Boris Johnson brandished a kipper at his leadership hustings.
But his claim that he couldn’t have it delivered by post because of EU rules proved very fishy.
Boris Johnson brandished a kipper on stage during the leadership election Credit: AFP or licensorsCHANNEL THAW NEWS
Channel 4 replaced no-shows Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage with melting ice sculptures during a debate on climate change.
Viewers probably judged their performance to be less drippy than Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson’s.
Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage were replaced with ice sculptures on Channel 4 Credit: AFP or licensorsHUAWEI WITH YOU
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was sacked after an inquiry into who leaked details of a National Security Council meeting over plans to allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build Britain’s 5G network.
Gavin Williamson was sacked after an inquiry into the Huawei leak but returned to Cabinet soon after Credit: PAress Association Downing Street said the PM had, “lost confidence in his ability to serve”, but he soon returned to Cabinet.
All sounds a bit, er, phoney.
INCREDIBLE BULK
Boris likened himself to The Incredible Hulk as he vowed to break free from EU shackles.
But when he showed schoolkids an image of the superhero during a school visit, a boy pointed at the huge muscles and said: “You’ve got boobies.”
Boris Johnson likened himself to The Incredible Hulk but it soon backfired with one schoolboy Credit: Getty Images - GettyBREXIT MARTYR OF THE YEAR
She failed to secure a Brexit deal and lost the Tories’ majority.
Yet Theresa May soldiered on with everyone against her.
Theresa May could prove to be the finest ex-PM Britain ever had Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd When toppled, she didn’t quit Parliament in a huff or carp endlessly from the backbenches but showed more loyalty to her successor than he gave to her.
Mrs May could prove to be the finest ex-PM Britain ever had.
Theresa May blasted Remainer MPs for trying to stop Brexit as she vowed to back Boris Johnson's deal
BREXIT SUPERHERO AWARD
Remainer lawyer Gina Miller blew thousands trying to stop Brexit — but unwittingly helped deliver it.
Remainer Gina Miller unwittingly helped to deliver Brexit Credit: PAress Association Her court victory gave Brexit-blocker MPs the right to vote down Theresa May’s “soft” departure deal.
But it set off a chain of events that put Bojo in No10 with a majority big enough to force through a much cleaner Brexit. Thanks, Gina.
LEAVERS OF THE YEAR
They spent the past three and a half years plotting to stop Brexit at every turn.
It was good riddance to Dominic Grieve Credit: EPABut at the General Election, voters sent them a clear message: Leave Parliament.
So good riddance to Dominic Grieve, Anna Soubry, David Gauke, Laura Pidcock, Chuka Umunna, Jo Swinson, Philip Lee, Antoinette Sandbach and Sam Gyimah.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10633405/highs-lows-politics-2019-brexit/