HUMOUR IN ADVERTISING

UK’s ad industry is quick with the jokes as Prime Minister resigns

By our News Team | 2022

Fast-food brands Burger King and KFC were among those to quickly poke fun at controversial outgoing PM Boris Johnson.

When Britain’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced his resignation late last week, brands in the country were quick to capitalise on the sensational news.

Johnson has had a torrid time of late, after being caught out lying and hosting parties in contravention of lockdown regulations – among other things.

Fast-food brand Burger King was one of those who was quick off the mark. Not long after the (soon to be ex) PM’s announcement, it sent a van with a giant billboard to roam the streets around Westminster in London, which is where Parliament is located and other government buildings such as the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street.

Photo via Burger King

The billboard was emblazoned with the copy: “Turns out there is such a thing as too many Whoppers.” A Whopper is, of course, the famous Burger King hamburger, while a “whopper” is common UK slang for a big lie.

As an added dig, the copy was in the shape of a number 10, referring to Johnson’s Downing Street address.

The Colonel also seizes the opportunity

Also looking to get in on the advertising action was another fast-food brand, KFC. It decided to play on the fact that more 50 members of parliament (MPs) representing Johnson’s own party had themselves resigned in an effort to force the Prime Minister’s resignation.

KFC and its agency created a series of fake ‘job’ ads on social media with copy such as: “Former cabinet minister? We’re hiring.”

The brand even developed a bespoke KFC job website (since removed) purporting to offer jobs around the Westminster area. The opening copy stated: “If you’d prefer to work in a warm, welcoming environment with supportive and trustworthy leadership, we’re always looking for people.”

Johnson, with his ‘shaggy dog’ hairstyle, was the butt of many jokes during his term in office. Even with his departure, the ad industry ensured the jokes kept coming.

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