LONDON –– Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne just got Budget day off to a fairly awkward start with another of his trademark, staged tweets.
Osborne tweeted a photo of himself with the caption: "Today I will present a Conservative Budget - a Budget that puts economic security first". But closer inspection of the image revealed something a bit strange.
Today I will present a Conservative Budget - a Budget that puts economic security first pic.twitter.com/yQ8kD8nmo9— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) July 8, 2015
People wasted no time picking up on the mistake.
. @George_Osborne why are you pretending to use a pen on a clearly printed piece of paper?— Tiernan Douieb (@TiernanDouieb) July 8, 2015
The handwriting jokes weren't far behind.
George Osborne's handwriting looks a lot like Times New Roman today https://t.co/Ercpv7hHKO— Ed Conway (@EdConwaySky) July 8, 2015
@George_Osborne wondefully posed! Or amazing skill writing in perfect printed font!— Tom Bray (@tom_bray) July 8, 2015
@George_Osborne @BrandonLewis Beautiful handwriting. Not like they teach in those modern trendy schools these days. #budget2015— Adrian 4 London (@adrianshort) July 8, 2015
Some people were quite blunt.
@George_Osborne You can write in a font? You cock-head!— Brendan (@Brendan_Surrey) July 8, 2015
While others were quick to bring up past controversies.
@George_Osborne why are you pretending to write on what is clearly printed paper.. McDonald's/Byron Burger Gate is now Pen/Printer gate.— Sam Harris (@samuelmharris) July 8, 2015
"Byron Burger Gate" refers to the time Osborne casually tweeted a picture of himself tucking in to a "takeaway" burger, in what many saw as a forced attempt to appear normal and everyday. The only problem was the burger in question was quickly revealed to be a "poshburger" bought from upmarket burger chain Byron, which he reportedly sent a member of Treasury staff to collect for him from Waterloo train station.
Putting final touches to the speech #SR2013 pic.twitter.com/jk3FYmqVnm— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) June 25, 2013
Oh George.