Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Prime Minister Andy Burnham's decision to appear on Channel 4's Gogglebox, questioning how he finds time for television commitments ahead of next week's budget.
Mr Burnham, alongside Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram, will join regular cast members and celebrity guests on the programme for a special Stand Up To Cancer edition tonight (Friday, October 23). The pair will watch and comment on the week's television, joining previously confirmed guests the Sugababes and Joe Lycett.
Badenoch's BBC Breakfast remarks
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Ms Badenoch was asked by presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt about the Prime Minister's television venture. When told some Conservative members had suggested she should appear on the show herself, she responded: "That's not my thing."
She added: "What I'm amazed at is that Andy Burnham has got time to go on Gogglebox. When you get a new job in politics it's so difficult. There's so much to do and it's like drinking from a fire hose. Even as a Junior Minister or Secretary of State, I never had time for Gogglebox. I just don't know how he has the time. There's a budget next week and he's going on Gogglebox."
Comparisons to past politicians
Ms Badenoch noted that Nigel Farage appeared on the show in 2014 and Jeremy Corbyn in 2017, but pointed out neither was Prime Minister at the time. "I'm amazed he's got the time," she said.
She continued: "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, Lad Bible. When you first become Prime Minister I can't tell you how difficult it is. There's so much to get up to speed on especially when you come in mid-term. He seems like a very nice guy, someone you'd want to hang out with in the park, but it doesn't mean he's doing the job as Prime Minister."
Public reaction online
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. One viewer commented: "Crikey! Our PM on the best show on the TV. Only the best on Gogglebox. That's impressive. Can't wait to see that episode." Another said: "Good on our PM! Someone's who's willing to take time out of his extremely busy schedule to support this great charity."
However, others were less supportive. One person wrote: "I won't be watching. I appreciate it's to support cancer charities but I think politicians should just stick to politics." Another added: "Oh what. Gogglebox is ruined for a week."
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am, while Gogglebox airs on Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
