Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has ignited a fiery festive debate after making a controversial confession about her Christmas Day dining habits, with critics branding her stance "disgraceful".
A Festive Confession on LBC
The ex-Tory leader appeared on Nick Ferrari's LBC radio show on Christmas Day, discussing her family's preparations for the big meal. After revealing her husband, accountant Hugh O'Leary, would be cooking the turkey, Ferrari quizzed her on her own culinary duties.
"Yeah I do the spuds," Truss confirmed, before delivering her bombshell opinion: "There are no Yorkshires." Shaking her head, she insisted, "I don't believe in that for Christmas Day."
The 'Beef Only' Rule and a Startled Host
A surprised Ferrari, referencing Truss's Yorkshire background, pressed her on the admission. Truss elaborated, firmly stating her belief that the batter-based puddings should be reserved solely for roast beef. "I don't believe it should go with turkey. I think that's wrong," she declared.
However, she confirmed one British tradition would be observed in her household: an early glass of Buck's Fizz during the festivities.
Public and Expert Opinion Divided
The comments triggered an immediate and passionate response from listeners. One critic labelled her view a "disgrace", while others unexpectedly agreed with the former PM.
"Sorry, Liz is correct. Yorkshire pudding only with beef, never with anything else," one person wrote. Another added, "To be fair, for once, Liz Truss is correct. Yorkies don't go on a Christmas dinner." A third stated it was "the most sensible thing I've ever heard her say."
The debate over the pudding's place at Christmas is long-standing. A YouGov poll in November 2024 found just under half of Britons would serve them with Christmas dinner, rising to 68% for those having roast beef instead of turkey.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has suggested the Royal Family at Sandringham likely forgoes Yorkshires with their preferred turkey. Conversely, Karl Green, head chef at Suffolk gastropub The Unruly Pig, told the Mirror last year: "100% yes! There is no way I would have a Christmas dinner without Yorkshires."
