In this cartoon from The Times, Peter Brookes uses the papal conclave to comment on David Cameron's current difficulties as UK Prime Minister.
The cartoon shows Number 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's official residence, but also the place where cabinet meetings take place. Black smoke is billowing from a chimney on the roof. Cameron, who is hanging out of a window orders, "Take that thing down!!"
EXPLANATION
During the conclave to elect the new pope, the cardinals use a system of smoke signals to indicate the result of the voting. Black smoke coming from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel means that cardinals have failed to elect a new pope, while white smoke means that a new pope has been chosen. The cartoonist imagines that the Tory cabinet are meeting to elect a new leader to replace David Cameron. In fact, there is increasing speculation that, given the disappointing result in the recent Eastleigh by-election and the threat of a triple-dip recession, Cameron will face a leadership challenge before the next election in 2015. Meanwhile, cabinet ministers such as Teresa May are positioning themselves to be ready in the event of such a challenge. Read more >>
VOCABULARY
In Britain, a Tory politician or voter is a member of or votes for the Conservative Party.
NOTE
The Telegraph's Christian Adams uses the 'chimney' idea to comment on the result of the Falkland Islands referendum in this cartoon, while The Independent's Dave Brown has a 'chimney' cartoon about corruption and scandal in the Catholic church.
