Return of the lectern of doom: The succession of Downing Street podiums

Each leader over the past six years has chosen their own lectern

Outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss makes a speech outside 10 Downing Street before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally resign. Ms Truss's lectern has been likened to a Jenga tower. PA

Boris Johnson walks away from his dark wood lectern after delivering a farewell address in Downing Street in September. Getty Images

Theresa May announces her resignation in May 2019 in Downing Street, behind a slimline lectern. Getty Images

David Cameron resigns outside 10 Downing Street in June 2016, behind a heavily curved lectern. Getty Images

Gordon Brown in May 2010. Mr Brown's lectern was modest in comparison to more recent iterations, resembling a microphone stand with wheels and a wooden top. Getty Images

It may not be the most important element of the merry go round of political leaders in Downing Street in recent months, but the succession of new lecterns which prime ministers use to address the public has not gone unnoticed.

Each leader over the past six years – and Rishi Sunak will now make it five – has chosen their very own podium.

Liz Truss gave her resignation speech at her lectern on Tuesday, which was likened to the block-stacking game Jenga that eventually collapses, due to its twisty design.

But the podium brought out for Mr Sunak's speech to mark the start of his stint was straight and more traditional in style.

Staff place a podium in front of Number 10 Downing Street before Liz Truss delivers a speech on her last day in office. Reuters

Its design recalled previous lecterns like Boris Johnson’s, which was made from a darker wood, with a thick stand.

Theresa May’s was narrower, but with a similar colour, while David Cameron’s was curved and lighter in colour.

Gordon Brown’s was substantially more modest in comparison to the most recent iterations, resembling a microphone stand with wheels.

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Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers a speech outside Number 10 Downing Street. Reuters

King Charles III invites Mr Sunak to become prime minister and form a new government in an audience at Buckingham Palace. PA

Mr Sunak promised to bring stability amid what he called a “profound economic crisis”. PA

The new prime minister is applauded as he enters Number 10. Photo: Simon Walker/ No 10 Downing Street

Mr Sunak is greeted by Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Simon Case as he enters 10 Downing Street. AFP

A worker loads a removal van with boxes outside 10 Downing Street. Reuters

Members of the public wait for the arrival of Mr Sunak near Downing Street. AP

Staff in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office watch from the windows as Mr Sunak arrives in Downing Street. PA

An Indian artist in Mumbai creates a painting to congratulate Mr Sunak on becoming prime minister. EPA

Mr Sunak arrives at Buckingham Palace. PA

Incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with a wave. AFP

Rishi Sunak is greeted by colleagues upon his arrival. AFP

Conservative MPs applaud as Rishi Sunak arrives. Reuters

Rishi Sunak departs after making a statement inside the Conservative Party's headquarters. PA

Mr Sunak meets the 1922 Committee in Parliament after he was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party when Penny Mordaunt dropped out. PA

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, announces Mr Sunak as the new leader of the Conservatives and therefore the prime minister. PA

Members of the media work outside No 10 Downing Street, the official residence of Britain's prime minister, in central London, as they await announcements. AFP

Mr Sunak leaves his campaign office in London. AP

A billboard of Liz Truss, the departing prime minister, in London. Bloomberg

Members of the public look through the gates into Downing Street. Reuters

Mr Sunak leaves his home in London on Monday morning. AFP

Leader of the House of Commons and Conservative leadership candidate Penny Mordaunt speaks to the media on Sunday. Ms Mordaunt pulled out of the race moments before the deadline for nominations. PA