Lee Nelson: Prankster who handed Theresa May P45 during Tory conference speech arrested

Prankster shouted 'Boris made me do it' as he was led from the conference centre by security

A prankster has been arrested after interrupting Theresa May’s crucial party conference speech to hand her a P45 form.

Simon Brodkin, a comedian who performs under the stage name Lee Nelson, was arrested for breach of the peace after the incident and released a short time later, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.

He was bundled into a security tent to shield him from the press before being cuffed and escorted out of the Manchester conference centre.

He made no comment to The Independent as security guards rushed him outside but earlier shouted: "Boris made me do it. He's left me in the lurch."

Around the same time he also tweeted: "Hi BorisJohnson, I gave Theresa her P45 just like you asked."

Police have confirmed they will review accreditation with the Tory party as the prankster was officially accredited for the conference, allowing him access to the secure zone.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “In light of the arrest during the Prime Minister's speech we are working with the police to review the accreditation process and security arrangements for Party Conference.”

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Earlier today a man was detained by conference security during the Prime Minister’s speech.

“Officers attended and the man was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace and was released a short time later.

“The man had legitimate accreditation which granted him access to the conference site.

“In light of this we will be reviewing the accreditation process with the Conservative Party.

“Even with accreditation, everyone at the conference goes through airport-style searches before being allowed entry to the site.”

The PM's official spokesman said: "Greater Manchester Police have arrested a man for breach of the peace. His name is out there and we expect there to be thorough investigation into what happened."

He declined to discuss the Prime Minister's security arrangements after concerns were raised about the comedian was able to get so close to her.

Ms May's major speech descended into chaos when Mr Brodkin handed her the fake form - a tax form given to employees when they are sacked or resign - which gave its 'reason for termination' as: "Neither strong or stable. We're a bit worried about Jezza."

The prankster rose to fame after gate crashing a Fifa press conference and throwing dollar bills at the outgoing president Sepp Blatter.