Two bits of curious body language emerge from yesterday’s Budget

George Osborne’s wink and Nick Clegg’s thanks.

By James Macintyre Published 23 June 2010 11:41

A footnote to yesterday's Budget.

Last night, rumour emerged of two pieces of noteworthy body language from inside the Commons.

First, George Osborne is said to have winked at David Cameron as he sat down. There aren't any clear pictures of this -- yet -- but it has now been referred to in the press. The cynical view inside Labour is that Osborne winked at his friend the Prime Minister as if to say, "We're calling this 'progressive', but we know it's not."

Second, and much clearer from the footage, Nick Clegg definitely turned to Cameron and mouthed "thank you" after Osborne announced a lift in the lowest rate of income tax. This provides an intriguing insight into the dynamic between the two men, as Clegg appeared extremely grateful despite huge and humiliating concessions over VAT and child benefits.

It seems increasingly clear that the "new" Lib Dems have decided they're in this for the long haul, whatever the reality of the Tory agenda betrayed by Osborne's mysterious wink.

Join us for analysis from the Commons after Prime Minister's Questions, which starts at midday.

Tags: Budget 2010

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17 comments

Wed, 2010-06-23 11:51 — jeremiah

How about Dave's disappearing act during the Budget statement.

He is obviously a coward when he would not appear on TV.

Gideon was flanked by Clegg and Alexander throughout the statement.

Ol' Dave only popped his head above the parapet once the statement was over.

A winker, a sevile git and a coward. I love our new Government!

Wed, 2010-06-23 11:56 — beak

What drivel. Cameron has been warning of this for the last few weeks. To call him a coward is pretty desperate stuff.

Thu, 2010-06-24 19:56 — beak

Who I vote for is my business. If you are really that threatened by me you simply don't have enough belief in your own arguments. Amazingly, I had worked out this is the New Statesmen but unlike you I like to broaden my horizons. I may not agree with him but I think James, unlike his colleague Hasan, writes very well and offers a different perpective. Give it a try you might learn something.

Wed, 2010-06-23 11:57 — Yeti (not verified)

You really do need to stop making these rumours up.

I expect, if the source wasn't entirely your own imagination it was probably some other David Milibland PR guy.

Either way, its silly. Stop.

Wed, 2010-06-23 12:31 — James4

"Yeti" -- why don't you stop hiding behind anonymity, false or incomplete names if you are going to continue to make entirely false accusations?

Thu, 2010-06-24 21:30 — clem the gem (not verified)

True enough beak, it is still a secret ballot. Debate can only work with a little disagreement, and by stirring things up beak, you are helping us on the left immensely. Keep it up!

Thu, 2010-06-24 21:34 — beak

And keeping the right on their toes!

Wed, 2010-06-23 15:29 — Seff Qaid (not verified)

Yeti it is what it is, i allso viewed the wink and Clegg mouthing thank you to Cameron and yes yeti this is from a Ex Lib/Dem

Wed, 2010-06-23 15:38 — swatantra nandanwar

Are you absolutely sure that Nick wasn't mouthing the words: 'I love you Conservatives'. And the cheeky wink that that George gave Dave could be interpreted in a different way.

Thu, 2010-06-24 22:29 — jeremiah

@beak. I'll take that non-denial denial as a yes!

Thu, 2010-06-24 22:56 — beak

Take it how you like. But, as i said, if you can't handle a little debate then that is pretty sad!

Thu, 2010-06-24 01:01 — jeremiah

@beak. He hid below the parapet. Cameron was present but not visible. This was a choice on his part.

You should take Yeti and depart. Why you choose to visit and post on a website whose ideology you clearly do not share is clearly perverse.

Wed, 2010-06-23 20:46 — clem the gem (not verified)

The picture was of a front bench made up predominantly of priviledged, in some cses wealthy, men who were at ease with each other and with power.
Other asides caught them discounting any opposition to what they are about to do.
If Yeti and Beak are as relaxed about this as the front bench are, then I suggest they apply for government jobs...oh hang on, there wont be any by January...

Thu, 2010-06-24 08:17 — beak

Jeremiah did you really just write that? Scared of a little debate are you? I like to read both sides of the argument and hear other opinions whereas clearly you are so blinkered you can't handle that. Grow up.

Thu, 2010-06-24 11:25 — Lou (not verified)

I thought the body language on the face the audience with the BBC was interesting. Clegg struggled to get a word in, Cameron talked over him on many issues and you could see Clegg trying to make a point but just not being allowed in by Cameron. Know thy place Nick, stool pigeon - not equal partner in this government.