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Culture War Roundup for the week of September 22, 2025

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Being fair to Pete, there's a long tradition of mocking photos of politicians trying to eat in public. And, not to be too crude about it, if you're a gay guy who is known for being gay, then putting a phallic-shaped object near your mouth while there are photographers about is risky business. Better to apply it horizontally than vertically, just to be on the safe side.

I have to quote the Miliband story, it's too good not to share:

For a party leader anxious to avoid any more gaffes, what could go wrong buying flowers for the wife?

Plenty, it turned out, as an immaculately suited Ed Miliband turned up at New Covent Garden flower market at the ungodly hour of 6.30am to bag London’s freshest roses for wife Justine.

First came the delicate issue of his bacon roll, a vital accessory when meeting the working classes at breakfast time.

Mr Miliband’s battle to consume the greasy treat alarmed his media minders, who tried to stop photographers taking close-ups of butter oozing between his teeth. After a few bites, the Labour leader appeared defeated, and the snack was put into the custody of Lord Wood, a senior shadow cabinet member.