The Spectator

Barometer | 13 December 2018

Barometer on the other times political uproar interrupted the festivities

issue 15 December 2018

Crisis at Christmas

MPs were warned that they might have to give up part of their holidays to deal with Brexit. Here are some other political crises from Christmases past:
1066 William I was crowned on 25 December. Trouble was expected from the English so the streets of Westminster were lined two deep with soldiers. The service was interrupted by a boisterous crowd and houses near the abbey were set alight.
1974 Embarrassment for Harold Wilson on Christmas Eve — his former postmaster general John Stonehouse turned up in Australia, having faked his own death.
1989 Deposed Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena had their festive season curtailed by a brief trial, after which they were shot.
1998 More Christmas Eve woe for Labour when trade secretary Peter Mandelson had to resign over a loan he had taken out from his colleague Geoffrey Robinson.



Mass invasion

How many extra worshippers turn up to church at Christmas?
2.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in