Donald Trump beats Nigel Farage in annual Lord of Misrule vote
London Socialist Historians Group
6th January
Contact: Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266
The Lord of Misrule, a character who is supposed to subvert and turn the world upside down can be appointed at any time from Halloween on 31st October to at least Shrove Tuesday on 13th February. In particular on both Twelfth Night (5th January) and Epiphany (6th January) Lords of Misrule can be appointed.
Every year the London Socialist Historians Group, which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, runs an on-line poll to test who the recipient of the title should be.
The potential contenders for the Lord of Misrule Crown in January 2026 are:
Keir Starmer
Nigel Farage
Jeremy Clarkson
Donald Trump
In the on-line poll of more than 500 people Donald Trump secured more than 50% of the vote with Nigel Farage, the 2025 winner coming last with just 5%.
London Socialist Historians Convenor Dr Keith Flett said, it’s just a bit of New Year fun, but Donald Trump’s victory- he first won the vote in 2016- does seem appropriate. His actions do seem to turn the world upside down but in reality he remains in charge as before. Meanwhile it seems Nigel Farage’s time as the Lord of Misrule has concluded.
Notes
In general the role of the Lord of Misrule is to appear to subvert the existing order, while in practice simply drawing off anger and discontent leaving matters much as they were.
A well-known example is Toby Belch in Twelfth Night who is given free rein to behave in an uproarious and outrageous manner. The real aim however is to give so much space to genuine revolt and no more, kept firmly in a space policed by authority.
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