A photo posted by UK Business Secretary Grant Shapps’ Twitter account before a space launch appears to have been edited to remove former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The image was posted on Sunday ahead of Virgin Orbit’s attempt to conduct the first space launch from British soil. It shows Shapps during a visit to Spaceport Cornwall, standing in front of the LauncherOne rocket alongside senior company and UK Space Agency officials.
However, discerning users have noticed a suspicious blur in the center of the image and asserted that it is evidence of photo manipulation. The original photo, taken in July 2021 and published online, features then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the blank spot on the photo.
Shapps served as transport secretary in Johnson’s cabinet and accompanied the head of government on his tour of the space facility more than a year ago. The tweet with the edited image was later taken down.
“Grant doesn’t know who edited the photo. He removed it as soon as it was pointed out.” An unnamed source close to the secretary told British media. “Clearly he will not support anyone to rewrite history by removing the former Prime Minister from a photograph. He is proud to serve in Boris’ government.”
Monday’s space launch ended in failure. The rocket was boosted by a modified Boeing 747 jet, but failed to reach orbit during its self-powered ascent. Virgin Orbit blames a “figurative meaning” during the combustion of the rocket’s second stage engine. The crew of ‘Cosmic Girl’ has returned home safely.
Johnson’s term as prime minister ended early in September 2022, after he faced an uprising by senior party members and some cabinet officials. It was triggered by a scandal over the appointment of alleged sex offender Chris Pincher as Tory Deputy Sheriff.
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