WATCH the moment Tory leadership candidate James Cleverly is harassed by notorious political activist Steve Bray on the streets of London.
The Shadow Home Secretary was minding his business crossing the road on Parliament Street in Westminster yesterday morning, when he was pounced on by Bray.
Whilst he completely blanks the campaigner, often known as “Stop Brexit Man”, this didn’t stop the 55-year-old from launching a barrage of taunts his way, claiming Cleverly will be “the final nail in the Tory coffin”.
Cleverly announced last Tuesday that he would be running for leadership of the Conservative Party, following Rishi Sunak’s announcement of his intent to step down as party leader.
In a video shared to social media by Bray, Cleverly can be seen waiting to cross the road, in conversation with another man.
Cleverly visibly clocks that he is being filmed, pointing towards the camera.
Both men cross over whilst the crossing lights are still on red and are met by Bray on the traffic island.
Bray wears one of his signature colourful outfits consisting of a t-shirt printed with the European Union flag, jeans and a blue and yellow pork pie hat reading: “Why Brexit?”.
He says: “Good morning Mr. Cleverly. I hear you’re going for leadership.”
Cleverly strides along, ignoring him and looking away from the camera.
Bray continues: “You’re just going to be the final nail in the Tory coffin, and good riddance.”
Possibly in an effort to get away from Bray, Cleverly and his companion cross at another red light as the insults continue to be hurled at him.
Bray booms: “It’s the end of the Tory party forever. See you at your trial.”
The clip was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “The final nail in the Tory Coffin… James (Not So) Cleverly in Westminster just now.”
It has since received over 1,900 likes and over 70 comments from amused Brits.
One wrote: “Never a good look when someone wants to inspire others, can’t even wait for a green man to cross the road.”
Another said: “Oh dear, I think he just took you off his Christmas card list Steve.”
A third commented: “Bet he’s really missing the official car.”
Another joked: “Cleverly done Steve.”
A fifth said: “Steve is the best thing to come out of Brexit.”