Mandelson's Custard

Stephen Sondheim, one of the worlds greatest ever lyricists,  wrote the music and lyrics to the 1966 musical “A funny thing happened on the way to the forum” .Never has such a title been so apt than this morning! I was half way through my workout at the gym and just ahead of me I saw the instantly recognisable “Breaking News” logo from Sky News flash before my eyes. I looked up and had the laugh of my life!

A woman, protesting against the third runway at Heathrow decided the best way to get her point across was the throw green custard in the face of Lord Mandelson as he arrived at a venue celebrating the launch of a low-carbon summit.

Leila Deen, who is a member of the “Plane Stupid” environmental group walked up to Business Secretary Peter Mandelson as he arrived in his chauffeur driven car and threw her green custard on his face. The video clearly shows the green gunk hitting her mark and Mandelson ran for cover as best a politician could!

Arguably the funniest thing for me was watching Ms Deen pick up her papers, turn around and calmly walk away without anyone blinking!!! Where was his security? Where were the police? I’m no fan of Mandelson but surely a politician at his level would have security?

No complaint has been made about the incident and no action taken against Ms Deen.

But former deputy prime minister John (Muhammad Ali) Prescott, who threw a punch at a protester who had thrown an egg at him in 2001, said it was “totally unacceptable” that Ms Deen had been able to walk away after the incident without being arrested.

Enjoy the video!