Tobias Gough, the sound engineer affectionately known as Hot Podium Guy, has returned to Downing Street as Andy Burnham officially becomes Prime Minister. Gough, from Longfield, Kent, has gained a cult following for his role in setting up the iconic lectern for prime ministerial addresses.
Hot Podium Guy's Return
Despite speculation that Burnham might not use a traditional lectern, Gough was spotted in his trademark black t-shirt positioning the podium outside Number 10. This marks his latest appearance at a significant political moment, adding Burnham to his list of PMs served.
Past Appearances
Gough first achieved meme status in 2019 during Theresa May's resignation. He has since been present at the resignation announcements of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, and most recently for Keir Starmer's exit last month. His job involves testing microphones, bringing out lecterns, and sometimes unveiling them for the first time.
The Podiums
Each podium takes around three weeks to manufacture and costs between £2,000 and £4,000. The Prime Minister is allowed to help design their own lectern. Gough's wife, Tina, whom he married in a quiet ceremony in Scotland two weeks before the pandemic, has taken his popularity in good spirits.
Internet Fame
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2019, Gough said of his sudden fame: 'I have to say, it was great lighting to make me look that good; the sun must have been at the right angle. I can assure people that I don’t usually look as well as that – I won’t be going into the modelling business just yet. I’m 36, so I think my best days may be well behind me, but it’s been very funny reading all the comments on social media.'
While Andy Burnham becomes the sixth Prime Minister in ten years, Hot Podium Guy remains a constant fixture at Downing Street.
