Advertisement
News

‘I’m a diplomat here’ Big Issue vendor at heart of PM’s ‘secret’ wedding

While Boris Johnson’s wedding to Carrie Symonds might have evaded the press on May 29, Big Issue vendor Adrian Richmond was on the scene

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ‘secret’ wedding to Carrie Symonds might have escaped the eyes of the press but there was no getting past Big Issue vendor Adrian Richmond.

Adrian was one of the few onlookers outside Westminster Cathedral as the pair tied the knot in the wedding of the year on May 29.

The 52-year-old seller, who has sold the magazine outside the cathedral for a decade, was quoted in The Sun wishing the pair well after the happy couple managed to sneak through the ceremony in secret.

He said: “Somebody I recognise came out of a service there earlier in the day and said, “You won’t believe who’s getting married here later!” He said, “It’s Boris Johnson”.

“My jaw nearly dropped to the floor. This is smack bang in central London.

“We are from different worlds but I feel he is on our side.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertisement

We’ve had it all here. We’ve had Harry, we’ve had Princess Anne, we’ve had the previous PopeAdrian Richmond, Big Issue vendor

Adrian Richmond, Big Issue vendor

Speaking to The Big Issue in the days after the ceremony, Adrian said he enjoyed being a part of the action on the central London pitch and had become used to high-profile visitors.

“I knew something was going down early on, I saw a chopper come down low near the archbishop’s house at the back and I know when to mind my own business,” said Adrian. “But if there is something going on then people will tell me.

“They did it and they pulled it off without a leak. You couldn’t have done that at the registry office, there would have been someone watching there the whole time.

“We’ve had it all here. We’ve had Harry, we’ve had Princess Anne, we’ve had the previous Pope.

“It’s my pitch, I’m a diplomat here. I wish everybody the best.”

Article continues below

Perhaps Johnson welcomed seeing a Big Issue vendor outside the cathedral rather than a group of reporters and photographers.

The then-London Mayor called Big Issue vendors “brilliant ambassadors for the city” ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

“Visitors to London will see that The Big Issue is as much a part of the fabric of our great city’s streetscape as black cabs and red telephone boxes,” he said.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

Read All
Mum-of-two shares experience of 'dehumanising' DWP benefits system: 'It could kill somebody'
Image of Naomi Lihou
Benefits

Mum-of-two shares experience of 'dehumanising' DWP benefits system: 'It could kill somebody'

UK's 'cruel' benefits system is 'ruining lives' and 'violating human rights', Amnesty report finds
keir starmer walking
Benefits

UK's 'cruel' benefits system is 'ruining lives' and 'violating human rights', Amnesty report finds

Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits
Department for Work and Pensions

Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds
London Trans+ Pride
LGBTQ+ rights

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue