Home
TV
Comedy
Theresa May interrupted by TV prankster Simon Brodkin during Conservative Party conference speech

Theresa May interrupted by TV prankster Simon Brodkin during Conservative Party conference speech

The comedian, best known for his political stunts and controversial character Lee Nelson, handed the Prime Minister a P45 during her much-anticipated conference speech

Huw Fullerton

Published: Wednesday, 4 October 2017 at 12:46 pm

It can’t have been what Theresa May was hoping for.

Before her Conservative Party Conference speech was even over, it was already clear that all the headlines would be about something other than her plan for the nation, Brexit negotiation ideas or even apologies for her performance in the 2017 General Election.

Instead, the whole thing would be overshadowed by a real surprise in the Manchester convention centre – the appearance of a prankster who somehow got past security to hand May a P45 (traditionally given to someone when they leave their job in the UK).

TV prankster Simon Brodkin, best known for his comic character Lee Nelson and his numerous high profile pranks, was behind the stunt, saying afterwards that he delivered the P45 on behalf of Foreign Security (and May’s potential leadership rival) Boris Johnson.

You can watch what happened in the video below.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Twitter may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Twitter and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

The reaction in the hall and on social media was, as you might expect, immediate.

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Brodkin confirmed he was behind the prank later on Twitter, after being led out of the hall by security and surrounded by a scrum of journalists.

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Past stunts include a stage invasion of Kanye West at Glastonbury and the delivery of a “bribe” to FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter at a press conference (below).

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as YouTube may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow YouTube and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

The Prime Minister continued with her speech, despite struggling with a cough throughout the address.

Authors

Radio Times commissioning editor Huw Fullerton. He sits in front of a shelving unit, looking at the camera and smiling. He wears glasses and has a moustache

Huw FullertonCommissioning editor

Huw Fullerton is a commissioning editor for Radio Times magazine handling comedy, entertainment and specialist drama. In a previous regeneration, he covered all things sci-fi and fantasy for RadioTimes.com.

Visit us on Twitter

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec