The original novel by Sue Townsend was published in 1992 and set at the time of the 1992 general election. Although the time period is not mentioned in this film, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret are still alive (both died in 2002) and Princes William and Harry are still children. However various 21st century items are featured such as vehicles, 2010s-style TV news graphics, tasers and electronic cigarettes.