Tuesday 19 November, 2024

This MP called Jane Austen one of Britain's 'greatest living authors' and Twitter tore her apart

It’s not like Jane Austen has been dead for exactly 200 years or anything.

Andrea Leadsom, leader of the House of Commons, refers to 19th century novelist Jane Austen as "one of our greatest living authors" pic.twitter.com/fABYbREMuH
— PA Media (@PA) July 20, 2017

Press Association / Twitter

THIS MORNING AT work, Andrea Leadsom (leader of the House of Commons) had a little slip up while talking about the writer who is featured on Britain’s new £10 note.

She said “Jane Austen [is] another of our greatest living authors”, to which her fellow MPs could not help but laugh. She quickly corrected her comment to “greatest ever authors”, but it was too late. The internet had seen her.

Andrea Leadsom describes Jane Austen as one of "our greatest living authors" https://t.co/MhJqfUcRtD pic.twitter.com/PNqIkcpplj
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 20, 2017

BBC News (UK) / Twitter

If the video won’t play, you can watch it here.

It wasn’t long before Waterstones managed to take the piss out of her slip up.

We are currently moving all our Jane Austen stock from Classics into Greatest Living Authors. Thanks Andrea Leadsom for the heads up.
— Waterstones (@Waterstones) July 20, 2017

Waterstones / Twitter

Then the rest of Twitter moved in with the jokes.

Andrea Leadsom called Jane Austen "one of our greatest living authors"

And now to live reaction from Charles Dickens.
— Len (@LenM4) July 20, 2017

Len / Twitter

Now Andrea Leadsom has established that Jane Austen is our greatest 'living' author at the age of 242, Tories declare her fit for work. pic.twitter.com/a64Mw9z8NX
— Scoop Alley (@scoopalley) July 20, 2017

Scoop Alley / Twitter

I knew the Tories were trying to take us back to the 18th century.. didn't realise they'd achieved it 😏
— Kathryn (@_kjh30) July 20, 2017

Kathryn / Twitter

BREAKING: Andrea Leadsom devastated to learn of Jane Austen's passing. Cancels today's photo-op with William Shakespeare as mark of respect
— U&Dave (@davechannel) July 20, 2017

Dave / Twitter

Jacob Rees Mogg can confirm Andrea Leadsom's claim that Jane Austin is alive and well because he had tea with her last year in 1815. pic.twitter.com/NZOINliQwM
— Scoop Alley (@scoopalley) July 20, 2017

Scoop Alley / Twitter

Enough is enough.

Andrea Leadsom has admitted to her Jane Austen error, and has apologised to her PM William Pitt the younger.
— Wolfie. 💙🧡💚 (@Tpopularfront) July 20, 2017

Wolfie. / Twitter

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

DailyEdge is on Snapchat! Tap the button below to add!

Add us: dailyedge

Author

Kelly Earley

View comments

Send Tip or Correction

Close

Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

andrea leadsom

gas feeling

JANE AUSTEN

my feeling

Download our app

This MP called Jane Austen one of Britain's 'greatest living authors' and Twitter tore her apart

It wasn’t long before Waterstones managed to take the piss out of her slip up.

Then the rest of Twitter moved in with the jokes.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

DailyEdge is on Snapchat! Tap the button below to add!