Wild UK election outfit has internet losing it: ‘Shagadelic baby’

A wild outfit worn by a woman reading out the results for a seat in the UK election has gone ridiculously viral.

Blyth and Ashington, in England’s north-east, was one of the first seats to be announced following the exit poll that showed Labour was on course of a landslide victory.

The returning officer Lucia Bridgeman read out the results — which showed a big Labour win followed by a large share taken by far-right party Reform — while wearing an enormous hat and a giant ruffle.

The internet has exploded with interest in the outfit — with comparisons being made to Austin Powers and the Salem witch trials.

“I hereby declare that this election has been shagadelic, baby,” one commenter said.

“When you’re a returning officer in Blyth at 11 & presiding over a Salem witch trial at midnight,” said another.

According to a report from March by the Hexham Courtant, Bridgeman was appointed the High Sheriff of Northumberland for the 2024-25 tenure by King Charles. The outfit she wore as returning officer seemingly being that of the High Sheriff.

Labour’s Ian Lavery said he was “chuffed to bits” with a big majority and a mandate from the voters in the seat.

He urged his party to be bold in government, adding: “If we do go on to win a big majority we will have a window of opportunity to deliver change and we must do that. We have got to give people hope.

“I heard from some voters who said all politicians were the same. I want you to go back to those people at the next election we promised to deliver for you and we did.”