Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Will you join Sunak’s campiaign? Spelling gaffe teased on social media

The word campaign was spelt incorrectly on promotional material behind the former chancellor during hustings on Friday.

Danielle Desouza
Friday 15 July 2022 16:32 BST
Rishi Sunak at the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader (PA)
Rishi Sunak at the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader (PA) (PA Wire)

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.

Conservative leadership hopeful Rishi Sunak has drawn mockery from social media users after an unfortunate spelling mistake at an online hustings event encouraged voters to “join the campiaign”.

The mis-spelling of the word “campaign” appeared over the former chancellor’s shoulder during a live stream on Friday afternoon, beneath which messages stated the candidate will “restore trust, rebuild the economy” and “reunite the country”.

Next to a QR code, the promotional material read: “Scan me to join the campiaign.”

Mr Sunak is the frontrunner in the Conservatives’ leadership race, with 101 votes in the second ballot, but the mistake drew ire from some on Twitter.

“I thought it had to be a joke. I thought it had to be photoshopped,” tweeted British author Tony Lee.

“My favourite part is, while this is behind him, he claims he is a ‘perfectionist’. Um…”

Others suggest Mr Sunak should have “employed a proof reader”, while another user offered him “bottom marks for spelling”.

Twitter user @andrew_lilico quipped: “Irony: Sunak saying his big weakness is too much attention to detail whilst sitting in front of a QR code about his “CAMPIAIGN”.

Mr Sunak, the MP for Richmond in Yorkshire, started his campaign to be the next Conservative leader on July 8 and was speaking during a live question and answer session held by ConservativeHome – at which all the remaining candidates were quizzed by Paul Goodman, the former MP and editor of the right-wing blog.

The other contenders include Penny Mordaunt, Liz Truss, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat – with the leader set to be announced on September 5.

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