Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ramazani Mwamba & George Lythgoe

Bench plaque 'in loathing memory' of Boris Johnson causes a stir in Greater Manchester town

A bench in Atherton has become ‘famous’ now it has a ‘joke’ plaque in ‘loathing memory’ of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Market Street bench had the plaque placed on it in the last week, but who is responsible remains a mystery.

Residents have been flocking to the site for days now, the Dry Clean Centre owners said. Anita and Brian Thomas, whose shop has the bench right on their doorstep, explained that they have seen dozens coming to town just to see the plaque and ‘have a giggle’.

The homage to Mr Johnson says: “In loathing memory of Alexander “Boris” De Pfeffel Johnson. Prime Minister June 2019 to July 2022. Forgotten but not gone.”

READ MORE: 'My heart is broken', says mum of Manchester aid worker killed in Ukraine as British prisoners released by pro-Russia forces

“We were closed as we were away last week and opened up again and saw that,” Anita said. “Everyone is coming now, two bobbies came and one was tying their shoelace on the bench when I asked them if they had seen the plaque, they were shocked.

“It seems to be getting famous. People are coming into town just to look at it.

Bench in Atherton with a plaque 'in loathing memory' of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Manchester Evening News)

“We have no idea who put it up. It wasn’t us though.

“I like Boris but I giggled. Now it’s online, everyone has come down.”

Husband Brian added: “He did have one of the worst premierships in history. But he did have to deal with a lot.

“We didn’t put the sign up but we did have a laugh when we saw it.”

Dry Clean Centre owners Anita and Brian Thomas next to the plaque - they didn't get - outside their shop (Manchester Evening News)

Anita went on to say that it was ‘one of the oddest things’ they have seen in the town centre in their 46 years running the family business. Many residents going past found the funny side to the plaque, but it did spark discussion over what sort of PM he was.

Lauren White, sat on the bench, said: “I think it’s a waste of money for someone wanting to express an opinion. But I think people have done it to take the mick really.

“A bench like this is normally for something sad or bereavement. I just thought it was brilliant, in a funny way, when I saw it.”

Lauren White sat on the bench in Atherton with a plaque 'in loathing memory' of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Manchester Evening News)

Lauren’s friend Susan Street added: “I think it’s funny. It’s taking the mick and something I would do myself. I’m not into politics and I’m not a fan of him.

“I think he is a joke and looks like one. So this is perfectly fitting.”

Another bench user, Peter Keenan, believed that this was all in good fun, but said that it reflects the mood in the north west towards the former PM.

“It’s fun and is a good bit of humour,” the 43-year-old said. “I have not seen anything like it before.

Bench in Atherton with a plaque 'in loathing memory' of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Manchester Evening News)

“I think it’s how a lot of people feel about him in the north west. He should’ve gone earlier.

“I think he should’ve gone straight away. They’ve waited for so long to sort out this cost of living crisis [whilst they had a leadership election].

“I can’t see anything good that has come from him, he was a bit of a laughing stock. Everyone from around the world looks at him and thinks he’s a joke so this sums him up well.”

Read more of today's top stories here

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.