Led By Donkeys: Holding Government Accountable with Satirical Activism
The satirical artists’ collective Led By Donkeys has made headlines once again, this time targeting the Labour government and declaring it as “fair game” for their accountability efforts in the coming years. Ben Stewart, one of the group’s founder members, emphasized their stance on not being blindly supportive of Labour, stating, “We’re not starry-eyed about Labour.” This assertion comes after their recent controversial stunt involving Liz Truss, a prominent figure in the Conservative party.
Targeting Liz Truss and the Conservative Party
During an event where Truss was voicing her support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, Led By Donkeys orchestrated a remote-controlled banner featuring a giant lettuce and the words “I crashed the economy” to be lowered behind her. Truss’s immediate reaction was to walk off the stage, stating, “That’s not funny.” She later accused Led By Donkeys of being “far-left activists” who aim to intimidate and suppress free speech. Despite her strong response, Stewart revealed that the group had no inside help in executing the stunt.
Stewart shared that the decision to target Truss was deliberate, especially as she was seen as aligning herself with the far right in America. He predicted Truss’s reaction, noting that it was “absolutely on brand” for her to dismiss the banner as unfunny and leave the stage. This incident follows a similar stunt involving Nigel Farage, where a banner displaying an image of Vladimir Putin with the words “I ♡ Nigel” was used during the general election campaign.
Led By Donkeys: Origins and Mission
The formation of Led By Donkeys stemmed from the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, where the group aimed to counter the misinformation and hypocrisy prevalent during the leave campaign. Beginning with flyposting over billboards and sharing their work on social media, Led By Donkeys quickly gained traction and financial support from the public. Over time, their messaging became more ambitious, addressing various political issues with satire and accountability in mind.
As the political landscape in the UK evolved, Led By Donkeys found themselves facing a new challenge with Labour’s landslide victory in the general election. Stewart emphasized that the group’s work is not tied to any political allegiance but rather focuses on holding the government, regardless of its party affiliation, accountable for its actions. He acknowledged that while the group is uncertain about Labour’s governance approach, they are prepared to scrutinize and critique the government’s decisions.
Challenges and Focus on Far-Right Extremism
Amidst the recent riots across the country, Led By Donkeys remains vigilant in monitoring the rise of far-right extremism in the UK. Stewart expressed concern over the actions of leading political figures who supported the riots, highlighting the need to address the underlying dangers posed by the far right. Despite this focus, the group remains committed to evaluating the Labour government’s policies and actions, ensuring that their accountability project encompasses a wide range of political issues.
Looking ahead, Stewart revealed that discussions among the founders often revolve around who deserves the title of “donkey No 1,” with Nigel Farage consistently making an appearance. This lighthearted approach underscores the group’s dedication to tackling serious political issues with wit and satire, keeping a keen eye on those in power and their impact on society.
In conclusion, Led By Donkeys continues to push the boundaries of political activism through their creative and impactful campaigns. By targeting both the Labour government and far-right extremism, the group demonstrates a commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in the political sphere. As they navigate the complexities of the ever-changing political landscape, Led By Donkeys remains a prominent voice in critiquing and challenging those in power, ensuring that no one is above scrutiny in the pursuit of a more just and transparent democracy.