Liz Truss: The ‘Lettuce Lady’ Legacy. In 2022, during Liz Truss’s short stint as prime minister, a peculiar event unfolded that has become her most infamous association. The Daily Star set up a webcam featuring a 60p iceberg lettuce, posing the question of whether Truss or the lettuce would last longer.
The lettuce outlasted her. After a mere 49 days in office, Truss stepped down. Nearly two years have passed, yet the lettuce joke remains a persistent reminder. At a recent public event in Beccles, Suffolk, Truss concluded an interview when a banner with a lettuce image and the caption ‘I Crashed The Economy’ appeared behind her. The audience noticed it first, leading to a few chuckles before an organiser intervened, apologising for the unexpected display.
Upon seeing the banner, Truss declared, ‘That’s not funny,’ before leaving the stage. This response, reminiscent of schoolyard teasing, only fuels further mockery. Some jokes gain humour with repetition. Comedians often use catchphrases to this effect. For instance, Morecambe and Wise frequently teased Des O’Connor, who took it in stride. When Eric Morecambe fell ill in 1968, O’Connor asked his audience to pray for him. Upon recovery, Morecambe joked about the small number of people praying.
“I CRASHED THE ECONOMY”
The excruciating moment LIZ TRUSS stormed off after arch nemesis LETTUCE LIZ made an unwelcomed appearance when the former Prime Minister gave a talk at Beccles Public Hall in Beccles, Suffolk.#LizTruss #LettuceLiz #BecclesPublicHall#Beccles#Suffolk pic.twitter.com/6cnk7Rfcrx
— ANDY GIBSON (@AndyGibsonTV) August 16, 2024
Truss, resembling a female Des O’Connor with her optimistic outlook, might benefit from his approach. O’Connor embraced the jokes, even participating in Morecambe and Wise’s sketches as their stooge. Other politicians have similarly defused jokes by embracing them. In the 1970s, Mike Yarwood’s impression of Denis Healey popularised the phrase ‘Silly Billy,’ which Healey adopted. Norman Tebbit and Boris Johnson also leaned into their TV caricatures, diffusing potential ridicule.
For Truss, owning the lettuce joke might be her best strategy. Adopting a lettuce-themed persona could turn the joke in her favour, much like her political predecessors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Liz Truss associated with lettuce?
During her brief time as PM, a Daily Star webcam showed a lettuce outlasting her term.
How long was Liz Truss Prime Minister?
Liz Truss was Prime Minister for 49 days.
What happened at Liz Truss’s recent event in Suffolk?
A banner with a lettuce and ‘I Crashed The Economy’ was lowered behind her.
How did Des O’Connor handle being teased?
Des O’Connor embraced the jokes and appeared on shows as a stooge.
What advice is given to Liz Truss regarding the lettuce joke?
The advice is to own the joke and embrace her inner lettuce.
