ITV viewers voiced the same complaints just minutes into the broadcaster's news special on Andy Burnham becoming prime minister on Monday afternoon. The coverage, presented by Tom Bradby from outside 10 Downing Street, also featured political correspondent Robert Peston and Professor Jane Green, while ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship reported from Buckingham Palace.
Coverage Details and Viewer Reactions
The special aired from 11am to 1.30pm, replacing the usual This Morning programme, which was cut to one hour. It began with outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressing the nation before resigning to King Charles. Burnham then arrived at the Palace to become the UK's fifth prime minister in four years.
Viewers quickly took to social media to criticize the coverage. One X user wrote: "ITV on in the background. Just heard some twerp say, 'There's a carnival atmosphere here at Downing Street…' & I immediately had a bit of sick." Another added: "It really is quite funny, the media especially, just cannot contain themselves." A third described it as "utterly cringe worthy."
Criticism of Media Hype
Some viewers felt the coverage was overblown. One commented: "Like a bunch of giddy over-stimulated children who'd been eating sweets for three hours solid." Another shared: "ITV news special for Burnham - drives me mad this s*** - media acts as though it's always monumental and historic when we get a new face as PM. When in truth it's seamless continuation of the status quo."
Frustration also arose over the extended airtime, with one viewer asking: "Do we really need all this coverage of people endlessly yapping about politics, and then the news is on straight after, ridiculous." The ITV Lunchtime News followed the special, also focusing on Burnham's appointment.
Burnham's First Speech
During his inaugural address as prime minister, Andy Burnham promised a ten-year plan for the country aimed at addressing the cost of living crisis. The BBC also dedicated much of its morning coverage to the transition of power.
