With Downing Street's revolving door working overtime recently, it's been pretty hard to keep up with all of the political changes afoot. Or at least, it likely has been for staff at Number 10, who recently had to welcome the third Prime Minister in as many months.
But it's one noticeable change outside of the famed front door that has got everybody talking: Rishi Sunak's new lectern. Well, new for the latest Prime Minister. It is not in fact a new lectern, as the BBC 's political correspondent Nick Eardley pointed out on 5 Live Breakfast : "I hear that whilst a new lectern was bought for previous Prime Ministers, one wasn't bought for Rishi Sunak, quite possibly because there wasn't time."
While using a "recycled" lectern must surely be a more environmentally-responsible choice, some people have suggested that a repurposed podium from a previously ill-fated administration might not bode well for the former chancellor.
Taking to Twitter to express his concern, one worried author called the decision "another very bad omen."
"And coming straight on top of the eclipse of the moon," he added.
Many others were left baffled when they found out that each PM has their own lectern, after posts comparing Sunak's "recycled" offering with those of his predecessors went viral.
One person jibed: "It's a fascinating insight into priorities and how people spend their money."
A second asked: "Why cant they just recycle the lecterns? People are struggling to feed their children and Gov are fussing about ordering fancy lecterns."
And another said "Be like the rest of us and use what you already have!"
Thankfully, it seems as though Rishi Sunak's lectern isn't the only one that has been recycled, as the BBC's Nick Eardley alleges that the podiums get repurposed after Prime Ministers are done with them - for use in government buildings.
Prime Ministers' lecterns usually cost between £2,000 and £4,000, according to the Telegraph.
It is reported they are custom-built for Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), before being loaned to Downing Street.
Rishi Sunak's current lectern was unveiled during his first address as Prime Minister. In his speech, the former chancellor vowed his government will have "integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level."
Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
