Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was reunited with James McAlpine, a student known as 'Tall Tory', on Tuesday following a speech in central London. Mr. McAlpine, who stands at 7ft 2in, previously gained public attention after being photographed with Badenoch at the Conservative Party conference last year.
During the rally, Badenoch delivered a speech criticizing the outgoing Prime Minister's defence plan. She accused the government of leaving a £5 billion deficit in the Defence Investment Plan for her successor to address. The Prime Minister was in Ankara, Turkey, attending a Nato summit at the time of the speech.
Mr. McAlpine, a 23-year-old Oxford Brookes University student, became an internet sensation after his appearance at the conference. He was pictured stooping to speak with Badenoch, who had just finished her leader's speech. Badenoch thanked him for being 'our tallest member,' which led to media reports dubbing him the 'tallest Conservative in Britain.'
McAlpine, who is Scottish-born, has described enduring bullying due to his height, often being asked questions related to his stature. He has been seen at various high-profile social events, including the Cheltenham Festival, and has been featured in TikTok videos.