Security at future Conservative Party conferences will be reviewed after a prankster handed Prime Minister Theresa May a fake P45 during her conference speech. Comedian Simon Brodkin, known for his TV persona Lee Nelson, approached the podium and gave the document to Mrs May, claiming it was from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
Brodkin was arrested by Greater Manchester Police for breach of the peace but later released. The force confirmed he had 'legitimate accreditation' to attend the event. The incident has raised serious security concerns, with Conservative MP George Freeman stating that 'questions will be asked about how he was allowed to get that close' and that it 'could have been a terrorist'.
Labour MP Angela Eagle described the prank as 'harmless' but noted 'worrying questions about her security'. Shaun Hinds, chief executive of Manchester Central, said conference security protocols were enacted immediately, resulting in Brodkin's ejection and handover to police. A Conservative spokesman confirmed they are working with police to review accreditation and security arrangements.
