Was it Chuka Umunna wot won it for Macron?

Ever since Emmanuel Macron emerged as a frontrunner in the French presidential race, UK politicians have been clamouring to shower praise on the centrist politician while flagging their (undoubtedly) close connections to the man. After Macron made it through the first round, George Osborne congratulated his ‘friend’ online, only for Ed Miliband to cast doubt on how close the pair really were.

Following his win last night, Macron’s victory has been hailed as a triumph for the values of liberalism and internationalism. But did someone close to home play an integral role in Macron’s ascent to power? Mr S only asks after Chuka Umunna managed to throw in an impressive humble brag in an interview with Radio 4.

Explaining why he didn’t believe Macron’s victory could have occurred in the UK, the Labour MP mentioned — in passing, natch — that Macron had actually floated the idea of forming a new party — now known as En Marche!  — by him first before proceeding:

Mr S congratulates Umunna on playing such a vital role in Macron’s victory…