A bench in Greater Manchester has caused a stir after a plaque was place on it in ‘loathing memory’ of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The bench in Market Street, Atherton, had the plaque placed on it in the past week, although nobody knows who put it there.
People have been flocking to the site for days, according to Anita and Brian Thomas, owners of Dry Clean Centre shop where the bench is on their doorstep. They have witnessed dozens of people coming to the town in the borough of Wigan to view the plaque and ‘have a giggle’.
The homage to Mr Johnson says: “In loathing memory of Alexander “Boris” De Pfeffel Johnson. Prime Minister June 2019 to July 2022. Forgotten but not gone.”
“We were closed as we were away last week and opened up again and saw that,” Anita told the Manchester Evening News. “Everyone is coming now, two bobbies came and one was tying their shoelace on the bench when I asked them if they had seen the plaque, they were shocked.
“It seems to be getting famous. People are coming into town just to look at it. We have no idea who put it up. It wasn’t us though. I like Boris but I giggled. Now it’s online, everyone has come down.”
Husband Brian added: “He did have one of the worst premierships in history. But he did have to deal with a lot. We didn’t put the sign up but we did have a laugh when we saw it.”
Many people have seen the funny side to the plaque. Lauren White, who sat on the bench, said: “I think it’s a waste of money for someone wanting to express an opinion. But I think people have done it to take the mick really. A bench like this is normally for something sad or bereavement. I just thought it was brilliant, in a funny way, when I saw it.”
Lauren’s friend Susan Street added: “I think it’s funny. It’s taking the mick and something I would do myself. I’m not into politics and I’m not a fan of him. I think he is a joke and looks like one. So this is perfectly fitting.”
Another bench user, Peter Keenan, believed that this was all in good fun, but said that it reflects the mood in the north west towards the former PM. “It’s fun and is a good bit of humour,” the 43-year-old said. “I have not seen anything like it before.
"I think it’s how a lot of people feel about him in the north west. He should’ve gone earlier. I think he should’ve gone straight away.
"They’ve waited for so long to sort out this cost of living crisis [whilst they had a leadership election]. I can’t see anything good that has come from him, he was a bit of a laughing stock. Everyone from around the world looks at him and thinks he’s a joke so this sums him up well.”
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