After an eventful election campaign, a raucous rendition of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline", surrounded by the party faithful, felt like a fitting finale for Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
His feet have barely touched the ground over the past few weeks - he has been giving interviews in teacups, riding rollercoasters, and zumba-dancing wherever his "Yellow Hammer" battle bus has taken him. It was a bold strategy, one he was initially mocked for, particularly when it emerged that he had fallen off a paddleboard five times in order for the photographer to get the perfect shot.
Now, though, it appears Davey has had the last laugh.
The Lib Dems are returning to parliament with 71 seats, 10 more than the exit poll forecast them to win, and 63 more than they had at the end of the last parliament. Not only this, but Davey has claimed a few remarkable Tory scalps; one of the biggest blows that his party inflicted on the Conservatives was in Cheltenham, where Max Wilkinson defeated Alex Chalk, the justice secretary.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hull discovers the highs and lows of Test matches
England 325, Sri Lanka 211-5, visitors are 114 runs behind
Ron Yeats, Anfield legend and 'colossus', dies at 86
Ron Yeats, the defensive “colossus” who captained Liverpool when they emerged as an English football powerhouse in the 1960s, has died at the age of 86.
Winning start for Carsley as Rice and Grealish deliver
After all the focus on the soundtrack, Lee Carsley’s first game as England manager was certainly loaded with narrative.
Thousands take to streets over Barnier appointment
French left says move by Emmanuel Macron a 'power grab'
Calls for probe into killing of US-Turkish volunteer
Israeli forces shot dead Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in West Bank
Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, says US
The United States has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
Poking the bear: Ukraine's attack on Russia could sink
The daring invasion of Kursk began as an unlikely triumph but keeping a firm grip on occupied land is much tougher
The headless body murder haunting police 50 years on
In 1974, the body of an unidentified woman was found on farmland in Norfolk. Despite efforts to solve the case, the killer was never found. Barney Davis hears the theories
National Trust may go half vegan for net zero boost
The National Trust is considering making half of its cafe food vegan as part of a commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
McKellen took knighthood through lack of 'principle'
Sir Ian McKellen has explained why he accepted a knighthood after considering turning down the offer.