2p Or Not 2p

Labour leader Ed Miliband was caught in another embarrassing photo the other day as he gave money to a young woman begging in the streets of Manchester. 

Here's how The Telegraph covered the story which apparently caused a flurry of comment on social media with people questioning how much money Ed actually dropped into the waiting cup - '2p or not 2p' seemed to be the thought on people's minds. 

Whatever the sum involved I think it would be better if politicians stayed well away from these cheap publicity stunts because they always end up looking completely mad and contrived.

Ed Miliband accused of looking 'awkward' while giving money to beggar

The image sparked some funny reaction on social media

Labour leader Ed Miliband donates money to a woman as he walks to a meeting with UK council leaders at the Town Hall in Manchester, England Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

By Telegraph reporters

Ed Miliband has been accused of looking "awkward" and “terrified” while giving money to woman begging on the street.

Labour were forced to deny that Mr Miliband had given the woman who, was sitting on a pile on newspapers on a Manchester street, just 2 pence. A spokesman for the party said he had given the woman a "handful" of coins although critics on Twitter were unconvinced.

In July Mr Miliband made a high profile speech in which he said he will turn his back on photo opportunities and focus on the issues.

However during a Friday walkabout in Manchester, flanked by photographers, the Labour leader paused briefly to donate to the woman.

The speed he completed the transaction and the uncomfortable look on his face drew immediate criticism.