Mystery over woman who threw confetti at George Osborne’s wedding | UK News
The motivations of a mystery woman who threw orange confetti over former chancellor George Osborne and his wife Thea Rogers at their wedding remain unknown.
She was initially believed to be a protester from Just Stop Oil – the campaign group known for attention-grabbing stunts involving orange paint or powder.
But the organisation has said it “will not confirm or deny whether the woman is a supporter of our campaign”.
A woman throws orange confetti over ex-chancellor George Osborne and his wife Thea Rogers
In a statement, the group also shared its criticism that Mr Osborne “carries a heavy responsibility” for the climate crisis.
“As a Conservative politician and prominent news editor, George Osborne carries a heavy responsibility for the inability of successive governments to address the climate crisis,” it said.
“Unless fossil fuel licences are halted immediately, we’re all going to pay a heavy price for the failings of men like Osborne.
“People no longer have faith in politicians. It’s time for those that want to take a stand against the forces prioritising profit over life to come together in civil resistance.”
In a separate Tweet, Just Stop Oil said: “You look good in orange @George_Osborne – congratulations to the newlyweds.”
Wimbledon, the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, the Premiership rugby final at Twickenham and the World Snooker Championship have already been targeted by Just Stop Oil protesters.
On Saturday, the couple looked confused when the smartly-dressed older woman approached them as they left St Mary’s Church in the Somerset town of Bruton with a bag filled with confetti.
Aides stepped towards the woman who then moved away from the couple.
A spokesperson for Mr Osborne said they didn’t believe it was a protest and added that the individual didn’t say anything.
George Osborne and his wife Thea Rogers
Several MPs have hit out at the alleged stunt, with former home secretary Priti Patel saying: “JSO [Just Stop Oil] are shameful, attention seeking, disrespectful low life [sic].”
The confetti incident comes as Mr Osborne called in police to investigate alleged online harassment after a “poison pen” email was sent to wedding guests, politicians and journalists on Thursday.
Friends say the email is part of a “long-term campaign” of abuse in which an individual has “made up rumours” and engaged in “cyber bullying”.
It is understood the couple believes they know the identity of the person behind the email.
Former prime minister David Cameron and wife Samantha
The individual is not thought to be directly connected to Mr Osborne, and their specific motivation is also unclear.
A string of well-known politicians and public figures gathered in Bruton on Saturday afternoon, including former prime minister David Cameron, ex-BBC correspondent Jon Sopel and former health secretary Matt Hancock.
Jon Sopel (centre) and Sajid Javid (right) arrive at St Mary’s Church in Brunton
Former health secretary Matt Hancock
Ms Rogers, 40, was a Treasury adviser to Mr Osborne, 52, when he was chancellor.
He served in David Cameron’s cabinet between 2010 and 2016, when the former prime minister resigned after the Brexit result.
Mr Osborne went on to be the editor of the Evening Standard and now serves as chairman of the British Museum.
