George Osborne's appointment as Evening Standard editor unleashes ruthless Twitter commentary
MP George Osborne is now the editor of the Evening Standard. The newspaper with a legacy reaching back to 1827 has snapped up the politician and former chancellor for the top role.
George Osborne tweets
On the hire, Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev said: “I am proud to have an editor of such substance,” adding that Osborne “reinforces the Evening Standard’s standing and influence in London”.
The media Twittersphere exploded at the news on Friday morning (17 March), with many somewhat baffled by Osborne’s appointment in respect to his limited experience as a reporter and writer.
Others wondered how Osborne, who according to the Guardian, earned more than £300,000 in a month in 2016 giving speeches, would be able to fulfil that role in addition to being an MP.
Below are some of the best (read: funniest) reactions to the announcement.
Ed Miliband featured prominently, first as a joke.
Surprised and delighted that Ed Miliband is the new editor of Doctor Who Magazine. pic.twitter.com/zM0ZPYDODy
— Jonny Morris (@jonnymorris1973) March 17, 2017
And then in the flesh.
Breaking: I will shortly be announced as editor of Heat magazine....
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) March 17, 2017
Elsewhere...
MFW when George Osborne was announced as Evening Standard editor pic.twitter.com/jVoCq8Smo6
— Frankie O'Byrne (@FrankieOByrne) March 17, 2017
In beautiful timing, it's one year to the day that George Osborne went to visit some schoolkids and it went...badly... pic.twitter.com/nMkFolrAsB
— Ollie Cole (@ProducerOllie) March 17, 2017
I wonder who George Osborne will be next time he visits the magic costume shop? pic.twitter.com/NwalTsMGSm
— Jon Kelly (@mrjonkelly) March 17, 2017
let us all take a moment to remember this picture of george osborne sensuously caressing a gate pic.twitter.com/aMbQW10dYm
— Tom Phillips (@flashboy) March 17, 2017
George Osborne? Conflict of Interest anyone?!!!!!?! pic.twitter.com/adQV3t4nUW
— Stuart Gregory (@Mortgage_Stu) March 17, 2017
There now follows a short welcome from the National Union of Journalists to George Osborne. pic.twitter.com/NIShDzfjWn
— David Whitley (@mrdavidwhitley) March 17, 2017
Thursday: Noel Fielding named host of GBBO
Fri: George Osborne new editor of Evening Standard
Sat: Sonic the Hedgehog becomes Labour leader
— Matthew Champion (@matthewchampion) March 17, 2017
His history in journalism came under scrutiny (Osborne's never had to compose a Twitter reaction piece).
Delighted George Osborne has come so far in journalism after failing to get a Times traineeship in 1993. A lesson to all eager youngsters
— Patrick Kidd (@patrick_kidd) March 17, 2017
George Osborne's glittering journalistic career thus far: pic.twitter.com/FVCbPZbSEC
— fleetstreetfox (@fleetstreetfox) March 17, 2017
Trump as President, George Osborne as editor of the Evening Standard...don't let anyone ever tell you you are unqualified for the job
— Marta Vokshi (@marta_vokshi) March 17, 2017
George Osborne editing the Standard, Noel Fielding on Bake Off. Now I regret not applying to be the Astronomer Royal.
— Tim Dowling (@IAmTimDowling) March 17, 2017
A summary of George Osborne's previous forays into journalism. THIS IS PEAK JOURNALISM FUCKERY pic.twitter.com/jb5dkHK5oa
— Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) March 17, 2017
Here’s how some prominent media folk reacted.
George Osborne announced as new Evening Standard editor pic.twitter.com/KO1Am90IOt
— Katie Deighton (@DollyDeighton) March 17, 2017
I find it very hard to believe Tory Party won't force @George_Osborne to make a choice between editing @EveningStandard & being an MP
— Robert Peston (@Peston) March 17, 2017
My threshold for being shocked just rose a little more: George Osborne new Editor of Evening Standard. And it's not even fake news.
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) March 17, 2017
It is fair to describe Downing Street spokesman as speechless when asked about @George_Osborne editing Evening Standard in morning lobby
— Jessica Elgot (@jessicaelgot) March 17, 2017
Journalist reactions to George Osborne as Evening Standard editor = TV people when we see someone's agent credited as 'Executive Producer'.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) March 17, 2017
And here's the email that was sent to Evening Standard staff.
The email to Evening Standard staff announcing Osborne to be editor pic.twitter.com/O0fZeNS6QP
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) March 17, 2017
And to conclude, here's the Evening Standard team getting the good news...
Hurricane George hits the Evening Standard. pic.twitter.com/65MVdGPRya
— Joy Lo Dico (@joy_lo_dico) March 17, 2017
George Osborne addresses the Evening Standard newsroom. Just look at the joy on their faces. pic.twitter.com/eDxnb0WtIf
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) March 17, 2017