Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman MP was repeatedly heckled while presenting the 2023 Ellwood Atfield Political Cartoon Awards. The event, organized by the Professional Cartoonists Organisation and funded by Ellwood Atfield, took place at King’s House in Smith’s Square, London.
Braverman, a British politician and barrister who previously served as Home Secretary under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, has often been known for her hardline stance on issues such as immigration, asylum seekers, and protest movements. This made her appearance at the awards a challenging one.
The evening began with tributes to cartoonists Zoom Rockman and Steve Bell, both of whom resigned or were dismissed due to allegations of anti-Semitism. Despite their controversies, both received awards and shared their experiences.
Kulveer Ranger, Baron Ranger of Northwood, also addressed the audience, expressing surprise that no one had ever drawn a cartoon of him. He also shared his thoughts on recent Marvel movies, reminiscent of his former mayoral boss, Boris Johnson.
However, it was Braverman who took center stage, acknowledging the various unflattering portrayals of herself in political cartoons but defending the importance of a free press. She also used the opportunity to address concerns about the potential sale of the Daily Telegraph and The Spectator to Abu Dhabi businessmen, expressing her opposition to such a takeover.
Throughout her speech, Braverman faced heckles, including one from Guardian cartoonist Rebecca Hendin, whom she initially invited onstage but was persuaded not to by the event organizers. Nevertheless, Braverman remained undeterred, stating that politicians should not be easily offended and asserting her commitment to fighting for the right to offend.
After her speech, the awards proceeded relatively smoothly, with a few notable moments. Cartoonist Tony Husband received the posthumous award for Pocket Cartoonist Of The Year. Suella Braverman presented the Second Prize Political Cartoonist Of The Year to Steve Bell, who spoke about being fired from The Guardian.
The coveted title of Political Cartoonist Of The Year went to Patrick Blower of The Daily Telegraph. Braverman then awarded the runner-up prize to Graham Bandeira, followed by the main accolade, Political Cartoon Of The Year, which was given to Christian Adams of the Evening Standard.
Overall, the event showcased the importance of political cartoons and the power of satire in holding politicians accountable. Despite the heckles and controversies, attendees enjoyed the evening’s celebrations and camaraderie before retiring to a nearby pub.
In the era of free expression and an ever-changing political landscape, events like the Ellwood Atfield Political Cartoon Awards continue to play a vital role in shaping public opinion and fostering political discourse through humor and artistry.
