BBC Breakfast viewers expressed outrage following a tense interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, branding the segment a 'car crash' and accusing the business reporter of failing to press the Labour minister on her absence during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation statement.
During the interview, business reporter Peter Ruddick questioned Reeves about why she was not present at Downing Street to witness Starmer's resignation, but was later seen in Westminster Hall taking a selfie with Andy Burnham, who is rumoured to be a potential successor. Ruddick asked: 'A few raised eyebrows in Westminster this week, when you weren’t in Downing Street to see the prime minister’s resignation statement, but you were in Westminster a few hours later, in Westminster Hall, to have a selfie with Andy Burnham then. Where were you watching the statement, the prime minister’s statement?'
Reeves Avoids Direct Answer
Reeves sidestepped the question entirely, responding: 'I don’t think anyone can doubt my commitment to the prime minister. I’ve been by his side for six years now as shadow Chancellor and then as Chancellor of the Exchequer. I’ve been there every step of the way and making the decisions to turn around our economy.'
Viewers took to social media to vent their frustration. One user on X wrote: 'WATCH Rachel Reeves squirm as BBC Breakfast puts her on the spot for abandoning Starmer and jumping straight into bed with Burnham. In a toe-curling moment, the Chancellor was directly challenged [and], visibly uncomfortable, completely ignored the question.'
Viewers Accuse BBC of Soft Interviewing
Another viewer commented: 'Oh Rachel, that’s exactly why people are questioning your “commitment”. In his worst moment as PM you abandoned him and you know it. It’s not just that you didn’t show up but the fact you jumped straight onto team Burnham! Another disingenuous Westminster snake who legs it the second the sh** hits the fan.'
A third added: 'Simple question and she still avoids answering. When will they realise that this is part of the problem - just answer a direct question!'
Criticism also targeted the BBC reporter. One viewer fumed: 'Surprised you didn’t press her on why she wasn’t there or where was she instead.' Another lamented: 'How can the interviewers let her get away with that?'
The interview comes amid speculation that Reeves could face demotion within the Labour Party if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, following Starmer's resignation. The Chancellor's evasive response has only fuelled further questions about her political allegiance.
