Running through fields of wheat facts for kids
On June 5, 2017, Theresa May, who was the UK Prime Minister at the time, was asked in an interview what the naughtiest thing she had ever done was. She replied that as a child, she and a friend used to "run through fields of wheat". This comment was talked about a lot online and became a popular internet meme.
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What Happened?
In 2017, Theresa May was leading a campaign for a big election called the general election. During an interview with ITV News, she talked about her childhood. She said she was a "bookish" child and that she often played by herself because she didn't have brothers or sisters.
The Famous Quote
During the interview, the interviewer, Julie Etchingham, asked:
What's the naughtiest thing you ever did?
—Julie Etchingham
Theresa May thought for a moment and then replied:
Oh, goodness me. Well, I suppose... gosh. Do you know, I'm not quite sure. Nobody is ever perfectly behaved, are they? I mean, you know, I have to confess, when me and my friend, sort of, used to run through the fields of wheat, the farmers weren't too pleased about that.
How People Reacted
Many people found Theresa May's answer surprising and funny.
- The leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, even joked about it at a music festival. He said running through fields of wheat was "terrible" behavior.
- Some news writers, like Elle Hunt from The Guardian, thought that most children do naughtier things than just running through fields.
- A writer for the New Statesman suggested that May had done more "naughty" things in her political career.
The Impact of the Comment
The "fields of wheat" comment became very well-known and was often linked to Theresa May.
Worries About Crops
Some people worried that many others might start running through fields too, which could damage farmers' crops. Almost 30,000 people showed interest in a planned event in Norfolk to run through fields. A group called the National Union of Farmers reminded everyone to enjoy the countryside responsibly. They asked people to stay on paths and follow the Countryside Code.
Other Politicians' Reactions
Later, during an election for the leader of the Conservative Party in 2019, Boris Johnson was seen in a photo near his home. He appeared to be running through a field of wheat, which many saw as him making fun of May's famous comment.
As her time as Prime Minister was ending, Theresa May herself said that answering that question was "One of the silliest things I ever did".
