Rishi Sunak suprised commuters at Westminster tube station this morning by selling poppies with the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The prime minister was seen smiling away at passers-by and talking to some of them as he held a tray of the green and red Remembrance symbols.
No media were officially invited to the brief appearance but some members of the public took a selfie with Sunak.
The PM joined several Army personnel and civil servant Stephen le Roux in a bid to raise £1million for the RBL’s annual Poppy Appeal.
The organisation said it was ‘grateful to the PM for generously giving up his time to collect with us during the morning rush hour’.
Passerby Lewis, an operations and data analyst who did not wish to give his last name, was one member of public who bought a poppy from the PM for £5.
He said in shock: ‘I didn’t expect to meet the chap.
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‘I went to buy my ticket at Westminster Station and he was there selling poppies with the military men and women.’
Lewis admitted he didn’t trust the new PM at first over ousting Boris the way he did in July but after meeting him confessed he ‘turned out to be ok’, saying he is ‘down to earth’ and ‘approachable’.
But not everyone was a fan of Sunak turning up out of the blue at the tube station this morning.
One angry commuter tweeted: ‘Funny how Sunak has time to “sell” a few poppies but not so much for major international conferences.’
That appears to be in reference to Sunak’s refusal to attend the crucial COP27 climate summit in Egypt – which he has now U-turned on.
As part of London Poppy Day, a number of events are being held around the capital to raise money.
Ross Kemp will be rallying the troops on Horse Guards Parade alongside members of the Irish Guards.
Army, Navy and RAF personnel are joining Poppy Appeal collectors in handing out poppies and gathering donations at rail stations, in offices and on the streets of the capital.
And those familiar with EastEnders may hear a familiar voice across the London Underground network.
Actor Shane Ritchie – best known for playing Alfie Moon – can be heard today encouraging people to buy a poppy over the tannoy system.
People can also take part by donating on the British Legion website or taking part in a 5K charity Poppy Run.
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