Philip Hammond causes chuckles in Commons with joke-filled Budget speech
Within half an hour of his Budget speech, Philip Hammond had made seven jokes.
The Chancellor appeared to enjoy making the announcements, peppering them with gags and even included Prime Minister Theresa May in one of his sketches.
In what appeared to be a pre-prepared stunt (if it wasn't, it seems the Chancellor and Prime Minister are more in step with each other than some think), Philip Hammond received some cough sweets from Mrs May.
Pointing at a glass of water next to the despatch box, he poked gentle fan at her disastrous conference speech.
“I did take the precaution of asking my right honourable friend to bring a packet of cough sweets just in case,” he said.
.@PhilipHammondUK and @Theresa_May joke about cough sweets, after the PM's ill-fated conference speech #Budget2017https://t.co/n2QoAroLeFpic.twitter.com/PT8LlnEtnu
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 22, 2017
Smiling, the Prime Minister then repaid the Chancellor's favour from the Conservative conference, passing him a box of lozenges.
He also made a jibe at Michael Gove, who has reportedly been using "long, economiky" words in conversations with colleagues, in a bid to take Philip Hammond's job.
He used the word "economiky" in his speech, which Mr Gove appeared to enjoy, as he retweeted tweets about the joke.
He’s retweeted it!! pic.twitter.com/di7R9VAeGk
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) November 22, 2017
The Chancellor also sung the praises of driverless vehicles despite Jeremy Clarkson hating them. "I know that Jeremy Clarkson doesn’t like them… sorry Jeremy but definitely not the first time you’ve been snubbed by Hammond and May", he quipped.
He made two jokes about alcohol, first saying he was being “tempted” by something a little stronger, but was sticking to water.
Later, he wished the Deputy Speaker a Merry Christmas after announcing a duty freeze on wine, beer and spirits.
Phil Hammond makes his sixth joke at the dispatch box in 25 minutes #Budget2017 ��
— Christopher Hope �� (@christopherhope) November 22, 2017
Also well-received was his reality television gag referencing the rumours that Kezia Dugdale will be going into the I'm A Celebrity jungle: “There’ll be plenty of others joining Kezia Dugdale in saying ‘I’m Labour, get me out of here’.”
After announcing more funding for maths teachers, he quipped: "More maths for everyone... don't say I don't know how to show the nation a good time."
A fair few commentators said the chancellor was fairly funny:
philip hammond's top gear joke was kinda good tho
— polly (@pollyhellyeah) November 22, 2017
Whoever did Hammond’s speech needs an OBE. He’s made Hammond sound funny and entertaining... fair play. #topgearpun
— Michael Beal (@MJ_Beal) November 22, 2017
Genuinely funny: Chancellor says 'I know Jeremy Clarkson doesn't like them, but there are many other reasons to pursue driverless cars. Sorry Jeremy, but you've been snubbed again by Hammond and May.' #budget2017
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) November 22, 2017
Is that three jokes from Hammond now? Funny guy.
— Johny (@johnycassidy) November 22, 2017
Not everyone enjoyed the Chancellor's jokes, however.
Laura Pidcock tweeted about her disgust, writing: "So many people are desperate for a budget and an economic plan that will help them out of poverty and insecurity and @PhilipHammondUK and this government are performing pre-rehearsed stunts and turning #Budget2017 into a pantomime. Disgusting."
Dave Prentis, the General Secretary of UNISON union, tweeted: "The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are messing about trying to do jokes in the Budget speech. How about they announce proper pay rises for all public sector workers instead?"
Seema Malhotra MP also derided the Chancellor's "bad jokes."