Having your photograph taken is probably the last thing anyone wants when they’re out for a jog.
But, that’s precisely what happened to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson one of the most powerful UK politicians when he was out for a run on The Mall in London on Tuesday.
Photos of Johnson’s running attire made front page news in the UK on Wednesday, leaving the nation divided over his sartorial choices.
Johnson sported a unique combination of floral swimming trunks, an orange knitted hat, a heavy fleece and a blue polo shirt.
Some took to Twitter to express their appreciation for the ensemble, with one man admitting that he and Johnson shared the same fashion sense.
@BorisJohnson That moment when you realise you have something in common with the Foreign Secretary #johnsonshorts pic.twitter.com/OQALrs9XzR
donovan suddell (@donovan950) February 22, 2017
For some, the photo made them love Johnson all the more.
You’ve gotta love @BorisJohnson ! pic.twitter.com/puE2xxGcJ9
Laura (@loggy01) February 22, 2017
Mr Boris Johnson you are so great! The fleece, the board shorts, it’s all wondrous. #FashionWeek #borisjohson #exercise pic.twitter.com/VrzL4DR4yx
Hayley Coyle (@Haylzee) February 22, 2017
Some drew comparisons between Boris Johnson and John Lennon.
John Lennon, Hyde Park London 1967. Boris Johnson, St James’ Park London 2017. English heroes setting trends for 50 years… pic.twitter.com/jbzGKksbdL
Colin Wright (@colinwright1959) February 22, 2017
And from abroad: Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen tweeted his approval of Johnson’s outfit, inviting him out for a run in the near future.
Dear colleage @BorisJohnson – I love your outfit! Lets go for a run next time in #london , #Copenhagen or #Bruxelles #dkpol @UM_dk pic.twitter.com/dp9KZsqu7J
Anders Samuelsen (@anderssamuelsen) February 22, 2017
Not everyone was quite so enthusiastic. One person questioned whether people would be quite so forgiving if a female politician were to don something similar.
Just imagine for one second if a female Foreign Secretary was snapped looking like this jogging around the Mall. pic.twitter.com/YSgmPgg9XG
Kate Proctor (@KateProctorES) February 22, 2017
Another noticed a distinct similarity to Nora Batty, a character in the British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.
Nora Batty. Boris Johnson. #lookalikes pic.twitter.com/C80nizWkTU
Stevie Fairbairn (@StevieFairbairn) February 22, 2017
And this person thought the outfit was downright shameful.
Look at the state of the fucking wurzel that you lot trusted over the EU. Fucking shameful. pic.twitter.com/MwHeBw3kd9
Dave Lee (@davelee1968) February 21, 2017
Way to divide a nation, Boris!
Read more: http://mashable.com/2017/02/22/boris-johnson-jogging-outfit/