The Conservatives have clearly realised they face an existential problem with young voters. Recent polls show just 8% of under-25s plan to vote Tory at the next election. This might explain why they’ve started splattering their tweets with emojis and Gen-Z-isms to get down with the kids. But one of Rishi Sunak’s recent attempts to appeal to the yoof backfired spectacularly.
Around Christmastime, Sunak appeared on an episode of Topjaw, the social media sensation which sees food presenter Jesse Burgess ask chefs and public figures for their London restaurant recommendations. Each interview has the same questions, including “best pizza”, “best burger”, and “best pub”.
When the interview with Sunak went up, it immediately began receiving comments like “Ew”, and “Oh boys, you’ve f***ed this,” alongside a clutch of vomit emojis. Such was the barrage of vitriol that Topjaw deleted the video within minutes of posting it, and it was never seen or spoken of again. Number 10 will not comment and the Topjaw boys also rebuffed our inquiries.
The internet is now awash with speculation about what happened to the video, why it was deleted, and what Rishi Sunak’s guide to London looks like. Luckily, we’ve tracked down some of those blessed few who saw the video during its short lifespan.
Apparently the prime minister claimed that the “most underrated restaurant” in London was TGI Fridays. On reflection, it might be no bad thing for his personal brand that the video is gone forever. He also claimed that the “Best Sunday roast” in London can be found at his house. Which one, we wonder?
We call on Topjaw to do their public duty and release the tape.