Lee Anderson mocked for being ‘blissfully unaware’ of being ‘thoroughly schooled’
“30p Lee has been thoroughly schooled here and appears blissfully unaware of it. Well played, teachers."
Lee Anderson was the subject of online ridicule this week after sharing details of a recent visit to a primary school in his constituency.
Posting on social media, the Reform UK MP wrote:
“Annesley Primary School
“I had a lovely visit to Annesley Primary School today alongside local County Councillor Rory Green.
“I always enjoy visiting schools across the constituency, and meeting the wonderful staff and students.
“They’ve recently had some renovations done, and it was good to discuss plans for the future.
“This is one of the best schools I have been to and I’m proud to have it in my constituency.”
The post was accompanied by a photograph of Anderson smiling alongside several members of staff. Behind them was a display celebrating ‘British values,’ featuring a Union Jack and a series of messages including: “tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs,” “democracy – everyone can have their say,” and “individual liberty – everyone is free to make a choice.”
It was these messages that caught the attention of many social media users. Given Anderson’s reputation as a hardline culture-war campaigner and Reform UK’s positions on issues like immigration, multiculturalism and diversity, critics speculated that the display may have been a subtle joke at the MP’s expense.
Many were quick to point out the apparent irony.
“30p Lee has been thoroughly schooled here and appears blissfully unaware of it. Well played, teachers,” posted Truth Against Hate on Facebook.
Others joined in.
“The man in front of him looks like he’s stifling a laugh,” was one comment.
“All he saw was the Union Jack and that was enough for him,” joked another.
Another response mocked right-wing criticism of teachers and schools being regarded ‘woke’:
“You have to love primary teachers. They’re so woke; they indoctrinate children all the time with things like be kind, use your best manners, no bullying, good effort, well tried, everyone is special…”
Whether the display was an intentional dig or simply a standard classroom poster is impossible to know. But for many, the image appeared to capture an amusing contrast between Anderson’s politics and the values being celebrated directly behind him, a contrast they felt he had either missed entirely or chosen to ignore.
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