In thisstrange new world of virtual interviews and buffering livestreams, politicians might think that a backdrop of a bookshelf helps them to look credible.
But the books on display behind Boris Johnson during his speech at an East Midlands school today suggest the librarian, or perhaps a disgruntledEnglish teacher,had other ideas.
Addressingstudents this afternoon, the prime minister spoke of Ofqual’s“mutant algorithm”, which he said “almost derailed”this year’s results.
PM: Exam grades ‘almost derailed by mutant algorithm’
Exams crisis:
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Meanwhile, the bookshelf behind him seemed to make a statement of its own.
Lining the shelf just behind Mr Johnson’s head were titles with rather unflattering associations for any political leader, including“The Twits”, “The Subtle Knife”, “The Resistance”, and “Betrayed”.
And sticking out like a sore thumb was “Fahrenheit 451”, a dystopian novel about a society where books are banned.
WATCH PM ‘s live address to school students in England.
- UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet)
If you look closely, “Guards! Guards!”, a Terry Pratchett novel, can also be glimpsed behind the PM’s right shoulder.
Thestory follows a plot by a secret brotherhoodto overthrow a corrupt patrician and install apuppet king.
And what about “Hero.Com: Crisis Point” -part of anAndy Briggs series where “super powers carry super responsibilities”?
Did you spot “Glass Houses”? Granted, this one is a vampire novel. But could the famous proverb -“those who live inglass housesshould not throw stones” -be a comment on Boris’ harsh criticism directed at the exam regulator?
And could Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”, famous for its heartbreakingline: “Please, sir, I want some more”, be tactically placed on Boris’ left toremind us of the government’sfree school meals U-turn, sparked by star footballer Marcus Rashford?
Some might say even the most imaginative author could not envisage the events of the past few weeks in the education world.
Butsomebody, perhaps, felt they had a story to tell the nation today.
And all behind the PM’s back.
