All the show stealing hats at the election counts
Are you searching for a new hat with a massive feather? Well look no further, as this year’s election has truly shown what is on offer.
Returning Officers across the UK have shown themselves to be fashionistas in their dramatic headwear as they announce the results in their constituencies.
The bespoke hats have distracted social media, with the returning officer for Blyth and Ashington, Lucia Bridgeman, sending everyone into a frenzy.
Follow the latest 2024 General Election news on Metro’s live blog
As she stood at the podium to announce the results – complete with a white ruffle at her neck – late night X users labelled her ‘star of the night’ as she revealed the second results of the evening.
Even BBC political presenter Laura Kuenssberg old viewers: ‘The Returning Officer with an incredible hat is back at the lectern.’
Ms Bridgeman was appointed the High Sheriff of Northumberland, giving her access to the impressive garbs.
![Suw @Suw Hat Of The Night Award goes to the Blyth & Ashington returning officer Lucia Bridgeman.](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SEI_211575763-3880.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=758)
(Picture: BBC
![Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Shaw/Shutterstock (14571111k) Annie Brewster JP, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire makes a welcome speech at the Welwyn and Hatfield count Welwyn Hatfield Election count, Hertfordshire, UK - 04 Jul 2024](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SEI_211565966-ad5c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
![epa11458121 Councillor Anjna Khurana (C) speaks as British Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry (R) is declared winner of the Islington South and Finsbury Parliamentary seat in Islington, London, Britain, 05 July 2024. Britons went to the polls on 04 July 2024 to elect new members of Parliament following the call by Britain's Prime Minister Sunak for a snap election. EPA/JON ROWLEY](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SEI_211577518-3560.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
(Picture: EPA)
Although some pointed out it looked like she was attending a Salem witch trial, most people agreed it was indeed a ‘serve’.
She declared two results, first Ian Lavery’s victory for Labour in Blyth and Ashington, and Emma Foody’s win in Cramlington and kilingworth.
Comments from users included: ‘Hat of the Night Award goes to the Blyth & Ashington returning officer Lucia Bridgeman.’
![Bill Blockhead (left), an independent candidate, view results on a phone at the Sports Training Village, University of Bath, in Somerset, during the count for the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency in the 2024 General Election. Picture date: Friday July 5, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Election. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SEI_211577098-b656.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
Meanwhile others drew comparisons from classic characters.
‘When you’re the returning officer at 11 but have an Austin Powers fancy dress party at 12.’
Others wrote: ‘When you’re a returning officer in Blyth at 11 and presiding over a Salem witch trial at midnight.’
Of course it wasn’t just Ms Bridgeman who showed off her fancy hat, with Annie Brewster, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, also wearing something similar.
Other crazy outfits included Bill Blockhead in a furry cowboy hat and yellow suit.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.