Jacob Rees-Mogg’s “arrogant” Commons lie-down has been given the meme treatment after it went viral on social media.
The Leader of the House was seen reclining in the chamber as MPs discussed plans to take control of the Commons agenda and pass legislation which would prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31.
His repose prompted criticism from several politicians, with Labour MP Anna Turley posting a photo on Twitter describing it as “the physical embodiment of arrogance, entitlement, disrespect and contempt for our parliament”.
The physical embodiment of arrogance, entitlement, disrespect and contempt for our parliament. pic.twitter.com/XdnFQmkfCS
— Anna Turley MP (@annaturley) September 3, 2019
Once that image went viral, there was no stopping creative Twitter users from adding their own amendments.
What Brexit will do to our economy
Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson shared the picture with a downward line graph tracking the Somerset MP’s form.
“Jacob was just showing us what Brexit will do to our economy. #StopBrexit” she tweeted.
Jacob was just showing us what Brexit will do to our economy. #StopBrexit pic.twitter.com/A9ifB66EEB
— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) September 3, 2019
Disappearing majority
Others used the same tactic to highlight the Government’s disappearing majority.
Now I see what @Jacob_Rees_Mogg was doing ?? pic.twitter.com/C3wLUnoClH
— Christopher John (@mrchrisjohn) September 4, 2019
Others wondered whether the Tory would be “for the high jump”.
He’s for the high jump #ReesMogg #tories @EtonOldBoys pic.twitter.com/vRt51XKFly
— Tom Tom (@tightropetom) September 3, 2019
Simpsons couch
Several gags referenced the Simpsons, with one effort placing the MP on the famous cartoon couch.
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) September 3, 2019
I’d like to bring something to Westminster’s attention pic.twitter.com/rkLcFNHfJz
— Ireland Simpsons Fans (@iresimpsonsfans) September 3, 2019
Sir John Everett Millais’ Ophelia painting
And another Twitter user saw comparisons between Sir John Everett Millais’ Ophelia painting and Mr Rees-Mogg.
Alas, poor Ophelia pic.twitter.com/mO3jqh39sm
— Gaz Weetman (@GazWeetman) September 3, 2019
The Tories aren’t working
The picture came full circle in the end, with Ms Turley sharing her “favourite” reworking of the image, referencing the Conservatives’ own slogan from the 1979 general election.
Thoroughly enjoying all the memes of my photo – you are a creative lot twitter! My favourite, which will have meaning to children of the 80s: pic.twitter.com/bCcORnRJ3h
— Anna Turley MP (@annaturley) September 3, 2019
“Thoroughly enjoying all the memes of my photo – you are a creative lot Twitter!” she wrote.