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The 12 Best Political Slapdowns Of 2014

Here Are The Top 12 Political Slapdowns Of 2014
Asa Bennett
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British Prime Minister, David Cameron (R), Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg (2nd R) and British opposition Labour Party leader, Ed Miliband (L), react while listening to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's address to both Houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster on February 27, 2014 in London. German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Britain Thursday to stay in the EU but played down David Cameron's hopes that her visit to London would bring major reforms. The British premier rolled out the red carpet in his bid to woo fellow conservative Merkel, who gave a speech to both houses of parliament and was due to have tea with the queen. AFP PHOTO/POOL/OLI SCARFF (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
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Politicians can be a feisty bunch when they get going, and 2014 has shown that the standard of debate has been especially fiery.

When times get tough, political figures can be frankly vicious in their off-the-record briefings, and just as blunt in their official swipes and insults.

We've rounded up the 12 most pithy putdowns and stinging swipes from the past 12 months.

Best Political Slapdowns Of 2014
Balls gets catty about Michael Gove(01 of06)
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After Michael Gove's wife, the Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine, pondered how Ed Balls ever managed to woo Yvette Cooper, the shadow chancellor had a mischievous reply. (credit:Twitter)
Ukip's Roger Lord didn't leave Clacton quietly...(02 of06)
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Furious at being pushed aside as Clacton's Ukip candidate for new recruit Douglas Carswell, Lord wrote in a Guardian column about how his party leader "has replaced democracy with his casting couch".He added: "Apparently if you fit the bill he will slip you into the position of his choice. Now that Douglas Carswell is Nigel’s bitch, he will perpetually be picking up the political equivalent of prison soap. Trust me on that one." (credit:GeneralBoles)
Labour "sources" lay into Ed Miliband's chief of staff(03 of06)
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They weren't very nice about Tim Livesey at all in the Times...
"Arrogant and treats us like worms" (04 of06)
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A senior Conservative MP pulled no punches speaking to the Financial Times about what he thought of David Cameron. (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
Tory official gets crude about 'boring' May (05 of06)
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One senior Tory party official was far from kind about home secretary Theresa May, telling the Spectator: "She is boring. A technocrat. She is Philip Hammond with a fanny." (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
Lib Dems gag over 'toxic' Clegg(06 of06)
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Liberal Democrat MP David Ward caused a stir after admitting that "to many people Nick [Clegg] is toxic".The analysis was echoed by Lib Dem education spokesman Lord Storey, who said that their party leader was "toxic" on the doorstep. (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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