BBC's Newsnight sparked backlash minutes into its latest edition as presenter Paddy O'Connell debated Andy Burnham's first weeks in Number 10. Viewers took to X to criticize the host's irate behavior, with some calling it a 'sensationalist waste of licence fee'.
Viewers React to O'Connell's Presenting Style
During Thursday night's show (August 6), O'Connell discussed whether the new Labour leader faces the same challenges as his predecessors, fuming: "The viewers have had every Prime Minister [available]. We haven't got any Prime Ministers left!" His outburst drew immediate criticism online.
One user wrote: "Chaos on the Newsnight set. What was one of the world's leading investigative journalism programs reduced to Jeremy Vine-like sensationalism, sigh." Another added: "Poor Paddy, yet again found to be in a foul paddy. It must be on its last knees; the new guy would not want such a shambles laid at his door."
Burnham's Holiday Criticized
The show also covered Andy Burnham's upcoming holiday after just two weeks in office. The former Mayor of Manchester took over from Keir Starmer on July 20 but will take a break to spend time with family, remaining in contact with officials during his trip.
Burnham's allies insist the Government will continue functioning normally. However, the break has drawn criticism from Brits, including former Tory MP Nick Fletcher, who said on TalkTV: "Our Prime Minister is going on holiday within a fortnight of him becoming Prime Minister, to me, is absolutely disgraceful."
Burnham's Early Policy Announcements
In his first fortnight, Burnham has pledged to remove VAT from electricity bills, end rough sleeping, and reinstate a £2 cap on bus fares in England. He also began cross-party talks on social care and vowed to be "relentless" in tackling small boat crossings.
Additionally, he announced a cut in business rates for pubs, established No 10 North, promised extra powers to regional mayors, and suggested Gianni Infantino was the wrong man to lead FIFA.
