Theresa May congratulates Jeremy Corbyn on grandchild by mistake
Theresa May offered Jeremy Corbyn hearty PMQs congratulations on his new granddaughter - but quickly realised her mistake.
Thursday 3 November 2016 07:13, UK
It was a gaffe so good it had both sides of the Commons in fits of uncontrollable laughter.
Theresa May offered her hearty congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn in a packed House of Commons on the arrival of his new granddaughter, only to realise he hadn't had one.
It could have been a very awkward Prime Minister's Questions moment, and for a second it very nearly was, but then the entire chamber was in stitches.
Mrs May was quick to turn the blame on Conservative Party Chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin for dealing her "misinformation".
It started when Mr Corbyn paid tribute to Labour MP Conor McGinn, who at the weekend told how he had helped to deliver his own daughter.
When it came to her turn to respond to Mr Corbyn's question on welfare, Mrs May said: "Well first, can I congratulate the right honourable gentleman on the birth, I understand, of his grand daughter...
"No?"
A pause.
"I'm sorry, in that case I'm completely...."
At this point MPs on all sides and the Prime Minister herself were all laughing heartily.
Mrs May managed to compose herself to say: "In that case, Mr Speaker, can I just say that perhaps one should never trust a former chief whip."
She was referring to Sir Patrick, who by this point was making the international sign of being for the chop by drawing his thumb across his throat.
Mr Corbyn responded by saying: "It's a bit unfair to blame a former chief whip for a little bit of confusion. Very ungallant. Cannot we just admire the member for St Helen's North for his work?"
Hostilities shortly resumed, although Mrs May did return to Mr McGinn later in the session to congratulate him on his new daughter.