Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

George Osborne backed out of 'promise to French kiss' Conservative campaign manager Lynton Crosby

Is this the first election pledge broken?

Helen Nianias
Sunday 24 May 2015 11:07 BST
Comments
George Osborne became Chancellor in 2010
George Osborne became Chancellor in 2010 (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

George Osborne may claim that he has delivered on his first pre-election pledge, but the reality is very different to the spin.

The Sunday Times reports that Chancellor Osborne promised to French kiss Lynton Crosby if the Conservative party won a majority in the General Election.

Osborne was so certain that his party was doomed to a minority victory that he made the pledge of a big smooch if campaign manager Crosby had worked his magic.

However, the paper reports that no such kissing took place.

Lynton Crosby has been dubbed the “Wizard of Oz”
Lynton Crosby has been dubbed the “Wizard of Oz” (Getty)

Instead, Osbourne gave him a peck on the cheek. Conservative insiders claim this constitutes consummation, but many will agree it is absolutely not the same thing.

This comes hot on the heels of Lord Paddy Ashdown failing to carry out his exit polls pledge on the day the election results were announced.

The former Liberal Democrat leader said he would "publicly eat his hat" if the prediction the Liberal Democrats would lose 47 seats was correct.

Despite being presented with his hat by news broadcaster Andrew Neil, Ashdown didn't chow down on his fedora. Shame.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in