From Starmer to Sussex

News from Great Britain captured my attention for editorial cartoons this past week. It was a refreshing break from the chaos of the U.S. President, who seemed fixated on turning the algae-green Reflecting Pool into American flag blue for the upcoming July 4th celebrations and its 250th birthday. Keir Starmer’s resignation is particularly relevant to us Canadians, as we share a similar bicameral legislative system. It’s a cautionary tale from a country experienced in the Westminster model, having had more than double the number of Canada’s 24 Prime Ministers. The UK has seen six in the last decade, and if Andy Burnham succeeds, he’ll be the seventh. There are lessons for Canada in dealing with struggling Prime Ministers and for Alberta regarding the UK’s misguided belief that independence from federations leads to utopia. These topics, along with Doug Ford’s declining popularity, Venezuela’s devastating earthquake, and the saga of 24 Sussex, inspired my cartoons as we wrap up June 2026. Let’s dive in…

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — Snakes and Ladders in Politics

The week opened with a look at the centrist strategies of the UK’s Keir Starmer and Canada’s Mark Carney. While Carney’s approach has unified Canadian interests, Starmer’s resignation highlights the instability of UK politics. In my cartoon, Carney, as a snake charmer, smugly offers to tame a snake representing Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, while Starmer is swallowed by the Nigel Farage snake. This pokes fun at technocrats who believe they can charm away populist threats. Carney has become the saviour the Liberals needed, much like Andy Burnham is seen within Labour as reversing the dreary mood left by the hapless Starmer. In the Westminster version of Ottawa’s drama, Starmer plays the hopeless Justin Trudeau. Listening to lively UK talk radio while drawing, I noticed how Canadians and Brits often overlook each other’s politics, focusing instead on American news. Yet, the centrist path might be the common ground needed to address these turbulent times.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — Reflections in a Funhouse

Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, is channeling his inner Trump by dismissing polls that don’t flatter him and allegedly tweaking images to suit his narrative. In my cartoon, I place Ford in a funhouse full of mirrors, each reflecting him as Trump, complete with labels like “Divisiveness” and “Cronyism.” It highlights the irony of his patriotic facade while he mimics Trump’s playbook. As Ontario heads into a long legislative recess, the focus shifts more to Ford’s theatrics than any real substance. It’s a spectacle reminiscent of Trump, as Ford positions himself as a defender against imagined American threats, all while copying their tactics. We’re past the halfway mark of 2026, and Teflon seems to be finally peeling off Captain Canada.

Thursday, June 25, 2026 — A Slice of Brexit Cake

Alberta’s independence referendum echoes Brexit’s legacy, highlighting the risks of separation. My cartoon depicts a zombie-like David Cameron offering a mouldy “10 Years of Brexit” cake to Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith. It critiques the appeal of sovereignty despite Brexit’s messy aftermath. This week marks a decade since Brexit, and another UK leader has resigned. Canadians often ignore UK lessons, fixating on American drama. Yet, the Brexit aftermath should warn Albertans about the complexities of independence. In this political landscape, Alberta’s debates about autonomy become all the more urgent.

Friday, June 26, 2026 — Aid or Exploitation?

The U.S. is stepping into Venezuela’s recovery after a devastating earthquake, but questions linger about their true motives. In my cartoon, Trump pilots a helicopter lifting “Oil Revenue” while another delivers “Foreign Relief” to desperate citizens. This contrast highlights the irony of a strategy that siphons resources while aid groups patch up the disasters. With the current administration’s massive cuts to foreign aid, I’m skeptical about their intentions. Observers should be cautious, as America’s focus on Venezuela might not lead to real improvement despite Maduro’s removal. Just ask Puerto Rico how Trump’s federal recovery plans went after Hurricane Maria, with the lasting image of Trump tossing paper towels to survivors. Venezuela’s recovery will need a genuine global effort to truly benefit its people.

Saturday, June 27, 2026 — A Prime Ministerial Makeover

The debate over 24 Sussex Drive, Canada’s official Prime Ministerial residence, sparks discussions on national identity. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan for a public fundraising campaign and design competition aims to reflect Canadian values. My cartoon satirizes this by showing Carney advocating for restoration at the collapsed 24 Sussex, while Pierre Poilievre lounges at Stornoway, dismissing the issue. A passerby scoffs, highlighting public skepticism. Though some see it as a “who cares” story, neglecting the residence for over a decade is embarrassing. For years, I’ve been chronicling the decay of this residence. Politicians avoid the issue due to bigger priorities, yet Poilievre’s opposition, despite enjoying taxpayer-funded luxuries, seems hypocritical.

And so we step into July. I love this time of year. The days are long, schools are out, it’s shorts weather, there are activities to do, patios to visit, road trips to embark on. As it happens with the first week of every July, I shut down my computers and head out to the great outdoors. The antics of politicians will not be in my sightlines, so I have nothing to report on what I expect to see within the next seven days, but there will not be a review of the week that was in editorial cartoons next Saturday because I will not be drawing. Maybe there’ll be something if rain forces me indoors. Happy start of July to all!

The Graeme Gallery offers a weekly review of news through my editorial cartoons, delivered free via email every Saturday. I’ve been the editorial cartoonist at the Hamilton Spectator since 1997, with work also appearing in the Toronto Star. While I remain committed to print, platforms like Substack allow me to share my work online if needed. I invest deeply in these posts, driven by a long-standing passion for current events. Thank you for subscribing, and for your support—please share with others and consider subscribing, in case you haven’t.

© 2026 Graeme MacKay. All rights reserved. Reproduction requires permission. MacKaycartoons.net