The Tories haven’t the best reputation when it comes to Instagram, the party’s efforts in 2017 being an object lesson in how not to do social media.
But times change, and so do party leaders. For candidates in the ongoing Conservative race to replace Theresa May, their online presence is an opportunity to provide us with an insight into their psyche.
So here’s how the contenders stack up on the photo-sharing platform.
Boris Johnson
The former foreign secretary, and current frontrunner, has a blue tick, but his posts lack the “Juno” filter finesse that Instagram craves.
What’s more, Johnson seems to struggle to look directly into the correct camera.
Posts: 41
Followers: 28,500
Verified: Yes
Award: Best hi-vis
Runner-up: Best dog – Luna, from Peterborough
Michael Gove
The environment secretary’s Instagram account is lightly branded, and includes the hashtag ”#Gove4PM”.
But he has few followers and his photos lack a “personal” quality. It’s all business here.
Posts: 31
Followers: 2,739
Verified: No
Award: Best for the planet – banning plastic straws
Jeremy Hunt
The foreign secretary might not have a sizeable following either, but he uses his account to boast of his encounters with celebs.
An impressive array of A-listers adorn his feed, including Amal Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Prince William, and, well, Donald Trump.
Posts: 83
Followers: 3,422
Verified: Yes
Award: Hollywood Hall of Fame
Rory Stewart
Social media star Stewart has an eclectic feed which champions his walking tour of Britain.
Posts: 286
Followers: 7,140
Verified: Yes
Award: The great outdoors – green fields and blue skies a plenty
Sajid Javid
The home secretary’s Insta shows he loves a good grin and thumbs up photo.
But Javid’s feed lacks a community feel – he doesn’t reply to numerous comments asking about visa applications.
Posts: 234
Followers: 5,693
Verified: Yes
Award: Best #tenyearchallenge
Dominic Raab
Not on Insta.
And as for those who have since been eliminated or who have withdrawn from the contest...
Andrea Leadsom - ELIMINATED
An Insta enthusiast, Leadsom posts frequently about her family in a “proud mum” sort of way.
Her posts are incredibly wholesome and include the hashtags ”#loveAutumn” and ”#lovefamilyholidays”.
Posts: 192
Followers: 3,288
Verified: Yes
Award: Best doggo – with the lovely Lottie beating out Boris Johnson’s entry
Matt Hancock - WITHDRAWN
As a former culture secretary, you’d think Hancock would be the envy of colleagues with his Insta game. And with 571 posts, he’s the most prolific user of the top contenders.
The health secretary’s feed also includes some rather seductive shots of scrumptious-looking food, but we’re just not sure about the calorie count.
Posts: 571
Followers: 3,952
Verified: Yes
Award: Masterchef
Esther McVey - ELIMINATED
Since arriving on Instagram two weeks ago, McVey has gained 672 followers.
But the small readership has done little to dissuade her – and her team – from throwing themselves into producing content for the feed.
Posts: 18
Followers: 672
Verified: Yes
Award: Best newcomer
Mark Harper - ELIMINATED
Not on Insta.
This article was updated on 14 June to reflect those candidates who had been eliminated or who had withdrawn. Follower figures correct as at 12 June.