Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended his decision to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox, saying he will "make no apology" for trying to "lead with a bit of lightness". His comments come after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Labour PM of dodging "difficult" work by filming for the Channel 4 series.
Speaking to reporters, Burnham was questioned on how he had time to take part in the programme. He appeared alongside close friend and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram for the Stand Up To Cancer special, saying he was "proud" to support the charity. The scenes are due to air tonight.
Burnham defends Gogglebox appearance
Burnham said: "That's the way I go at things and connect with people as best I can." He added that "if a few more people watch it" and ultimately support Stand Up To Cancer, it will be "job done".
Speaking further to BBC Radio 5 Live, Burnham continued: "It is always a moment in the annual calendar where we support Stand Up To Cancer through Gogglebox. Steve and I are proud to do it." He added that he is "trying to give the country a lift" and "some hope".
Badenoch criticises PM's priorities
Speaking to the Press Association earlier, Badenoch questioned Burnham's decision to film for Gogglebox while he had other pressing commitments. She described it as "not my thing", admitting she's "amazed" Burnham found time, given that the show takes "hours" to shoot.
Referring to the government's advice to the public to gather food, water, and other essentials to prepare for possible emergencies, she said: "I don't mind them giving advice. I worry that between the prime minister being on Gogglebox and then talking about stockpiling canned goods, they're not actually doing the really difficult stuff that will protect the country."
She also described the PM as someone who is "on social media all day", arguing that if she did the same, she "wouldn't be able to do my job as leader of the opposition". She said: "My job is to hold him to account, and I've seen a lot of prime ministers up close, and I've never seen a prime minister have the time to do this much Goggleboxing, social media, and Lad Bible."
Emotional reaction in show clip
In a clip released ahead of the show, Burnham can be seen tearfully reacting to the stories of people diagnosed with cancer, which he described as "utter devastation". Sitting on a sofa alongside Rotheram, he says he "just couldn't imagine" the ordeal, adding: "The only thing that does give some hope is there is so much incredible research going on, and some of the main cancers of years ago, there's been such big progress on them. But it's utter devastation, isn't it? If you're that couple, I don't know how you cope with that."
The star-studded episode also features actor Stanley Tucci, comedian Joe Lycett, and the Sugababes. Gogglebox for Stand Up To Cancer is on Channel 4 tonight at 9.05pm.
