Smokin' Joe?

Yesterday's FT included a picture of Mr. Starmer, leader for the time being of the Labour Party, dated 2019 and which showed him holding something which could be construed as a cigar. I dare say there are other interpretations but my brain latched onto cigar, complete with band and ash - although without glow or smoke. And the grip doesn't seem quite right for a cigar either.

Unfortunately, zoom does not add anything and Google image search doesn't turn up a higher grade image either. And while the photograph is attributed to one Jessica Taylor, who has a considerable web presence, I failed to turn up a better quality image that way.

In the meantime, I can't imagine that Mr. Starmer's immediate predecessor would ever have had his photo taken holding something which was or which could have been interpreted as a cigar. Let alone in public.

Reference 1: Jessica Taylor Photography (jessicataylorphotographyky.com).

Reference 2: Jessica Taylor Photography. From which we learn that there is also a Jessica Cornelison, a young lady from Hawaii. Perhaps 'Jessica Taylor' is a partnership or a marketing entity rather than a single person.

Reference 3: Jessica Cornelison on Behance. Arty, but probably someone else altogether.