lanyard

Whilst the former PM waged war with unions and state-backed industry, he said the Tories today should look to rein in the "lanyard classes" running government bodies "constraining the growth of enterprise".

Bietz also denied accusations that he was carrying a knife on the beach, saying that the object photographed in his hand was likely either a stick, his phone or the lanyard attached to his keys.

The early days were about settling in, with councillors entirely new to the job collecting lanyards and learning the ropes.

The 27-year-old's photo ID includes his name and new title – Lancashire County Councillor – and hangs off a lanyard that's coincidentally in the trademark turquoise of Reform UK.

As the news spread, the conference was called off, attendees pulled off their lanyards and headed for the exits, carry-on luggage in tow.