
It was supposed to be a routine parliamentary session, but what unfolded in the Commons left the entire chamber in fits of laughter — and Prime Minister Keir Starmer visibly rattled. Conservative MP Graham Stewart delivered a sharp, theatrical jab at the Prime Minister, turning a question about government performance into one of the most memorable political moments in recent memory.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could I begin by warmly congratulating the Prime Minister on his first year in office?” Stewart began with a tone that initially suggested sincerity. But what followed was a masterclass in political sarcasm. “I acknowledge that the Labour manifesto was beautifully written — deeply, deeply moving — and like that other great blockbuster of hope and redemption, The Salt Path, a total pack of lies.”
That line alone sent shockwaves through the chamber. MPs from all parties broke into laughter. Even some of Starmer’s own backbenchers were seen smirking behind their hands, as Stewart’s comparison struck at the heart of growing public and political skepticism over Labour’s campaign promises.
Stewart didn’t stop there. He launched into a scathing summary of the government’s current standing. “With joblessness, inflation, and debt ballooning, his personal ratings collapsing, and his backbenchers on a work-to-rule…” he began, his tone tightening. But then, as he tried to ask his question, he stumbled — repeatedly starting with “Could the Prime Minister—” before getting flustered and restarting.
The Speaker, clearly amused but growing impatient, cut in with a dry, “Come on, let’s get on with the question,” drawing more laughter from the benches.
Finally, Stewart regained his footing and delivered the punchline that would be quoted across social media within minutes. “Could the Prime Minister recommend a summer recess read — something to take our minds away from the calamitous journey on which he and the Chancellor have embarked?”
The chamber erupted once more. Shouts, claps, and laughter echoed throughout Westminster. For a brief moment, the typically combative atmosphere gave way to the kind of unfiltered amusement rarely seen in British politics.
Keir Starmer, trying to keep his composure, responded with practiced calm. “Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of our manifesto,” he said. “It was a very successful manifesto — a landslide victory — and now we are very proud to be implementing it.”
But the Prime Minister’s response was met with sniggers, especially as Stewart’s comment about Labour MPs being “already on summer recess” was reinforced by the unusually sparse and unenthusiastic showing on the government’s side of the benches.
Political analysts have already begun dissecting the exchange. Some are calling it a turning point — a moment that exposed cracks not just in Starmer’s public image, but in the morale of his own party. Others view it as a harmless bout of parliamentary theatre, albeit one with perfect comedic timing.
One thing is certain: Graham Stewart managed to do what few politicians can — reduce the entire House of Commons to laughter while delivering a brutal political truth. As clips of the moment circulate online, many are hailing it as the Commons comedy moment of the year — and a stinging public humiliation the Prime Minister won’t soon forget.