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After Nigel Farage’s cringeworthy attempted peck with Diane James… are these the most awkward political kisses ever?

The pint-swilling MEP certainly isn't the only politician to mess up a high-profile peck - as this excruciating list proves

LIFE in the public eye is littered with opportunities to embarrass yourself, and the on-camera kiss has always been one of them.

After Nigel Farage made an awkward lunge at leadership successor Diane James, the famously-awkward art of the political kiss has made its way back into the headlines.

Nigel Farage swooped in for a congratulatory kiss at the UKIP conference this week, but new leader Diane James wasn't so keen on the idea
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Nigel Farage swooped in for a congratulatory kiss at the UKIP conference this week, but new leader Diane James wasn't so keen on the ideaCredit: Getty Images

But the pint-swilling MEP certainly isn't the only politician to mess up a high-profile peck - as this excruciatingly awkward list proves.

1. Nigel Farage and Diane James

Of course, first place has to go to the purple peril, Nigel Farage, for this awkward celebratory kiss with Diane James at the 1016 UKIP conference.

Brussels-bashing Nigel Farage congratulated his successor with an unrequited peck
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Brussels-bashing Nigel Farage congratulated his successor with an unrequited peckCredit: Reuters

2. George Bush and Oprah Winfrey

Back in 2000, then-presidential candidate George Bush gave TV icon Oprah Winfrey an awkward smooch during an appearance on her show.

Oprah seemed surprised when the Texas governor planted a sloppy one on her cheek
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Oprah seemed less than impressed when the Texas governor planted a sloppy one on her cheekCredit: AP:Associated Press

3. Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper

The former power couple shared this bizarre open-mouthed kiss to celebrate their wedding - although this photoshoot looks like a labour of love for the Labour lovers.

The couple would both go on to serve on the Labour front bench, although today things look rosier for Yvette than they do Ed
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The couple would both go on to serve on the Labour front bench, although today things look rosier for Yvette than they do EdCredit: PA:Press Association

4. Boris Johnson and Barbara Windsor

You can always count on BoJo to liven up a dreary photo op - and this one, with Dame Barbara Windsor, featured a cringeworthy attempt at a kiss.

Then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson swooped on the Dame during an appearance in 2011
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Then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson swooped on the actress during an appearance in east London in 2011Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

5. Jean-Claude Juncker and Nigel Farage

Who do you think you're kidding Mr Juncker? The shell-shocked EU Commission President went in to kiss his smug arch-nemesis in the pair's first meeting after the historic Brexit vote.

The unlikely kiss happened at a session to discuss the impact of the UK's referendum decision... perhaps this was Juncker's revenge for the vote?
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The unlikely kiss happened at a session to discuss the impact of the UK's referendum decision... perhaps this was Juncker's revenge for the vote?Credit: Reuters

6. Ed and Justine Miliband

When Ed Miliband went in for this kiss his wife instantly recoiled - prompting Ed to later defend himself by claiming that Justine had "never complained” about his technique before.

Red Ed had an awkward kiss with his wife Justine back when he was in the running to be Prime Minister
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Red Ed had an awkward kiss with his wife Justine back when he was in the running to be Prime MinisterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

7. Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker

This famous photo, taken in 1979 depicts an iconic, yet still awkward, moment between Communist leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German chief Erich Honecker.

The sloppy kiss occurred on the anniverssary of Communist East Germany's creation, and is so famous that it has even been painted on the remains of the Berlin Wall
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The sloppy kiss occurred on the anniverssary of Communist East Germany's creation, and is so famous that it has even been painted on the remains of the Berlin WallCredit: Corbis - Sygma

8. Boris Johnson and Donald Trump 

Look familiar? A political campaigner daubed this anti-Brexit imitation of the famous kiss in Bristol, featuring a smooch between BoJo and US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The Donald can be seen going in for a sloppy one with BoJo in this mock-up of the iconic kiss
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The Donald can be seen going in for a sloppy one with BoJo in this mock-up of the iconic kiss - which, awkwardly enough, failed to swing the Brexit voteCredit: EPA

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