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Getty Images Britain’s Prime Minister and Conservative leader Boris Johnson gives a speech on stage after retaining his seat to be MP for Uxbridge and Ruislip South.
It may seem odd that Boris Johnson declared victory in front of Elmo.
But in images captured worldwide, the U.K. prime minister announced his Conservatives won a sweeping victory in front of the Sesame Street character.
It’s a U.K. tradition for all candidates to appear on stage as results are announced. As a result, oddball characters tend to challenge high-profile opponents since they are assured a television appearance.
Bobby “Elmo” Smith was an opponent of Johnson’s in the constituency of Uxbridge & Ruislip South, and he wasn’t even the strangest character.
Getty Images Independent, Count Binface (R) and Bobby “Elmo” Smith (L) interact as they wait for the results in the count centre in Uxbridge, in west London, early in the morning of December 13, 2019.
Lord Buckethead of the Monster Raving Loony Party also faced off against Johnson, as did Count Binface, running as an independent.
“I thank my fellow candidates in all their glory,” Johnson said. “Lord Buckhead, Elmo and others, forgive me if I don’t identify them all.”
Johnson took the constituency with over 25,000 votes or about 53%, with Labour’s Ali Milani capturing 37.6% of the vote.
Of the more oddball characters, Lord Buckethead won 125 votes, Count Binface secured 69 votes (nice) and Elmo got a mere 8 votes.
