Penny Mordaunt Engages in Heated Exchange with Comedian on The Last Leg
Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt found herself in a fiery confrontation with Irish comedian Vittorio Angelone during a recent episode of Channel 4's comedy panel show The Last Leg. The clash occurred as Mordaunt discussed her role as an ambassador for the Music Man Project, a choir composed of individuals with learning disabilities.
Comedian's Mockery Sparks Tension
Host Adam Hills and co-stars Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe shifted the conversation to a new disability storyline in the animated children's programme Peppa Pig, noting Mordaunt's advocacy work. Angelone then interjected with a pointed remark that drew laughter and applause from the audience.
"Penny's always been such a supporter of disabled people, you're very supportive of the prosthetics industry... You were promoting on Twitter an arms fair in Saudi Arabia recently?" Angelone quipped, referencing Mordaunt's social media post from 16 February congratulating UK companies at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia.
Mordaunt's Defence and Sharp Retort
Visibly unimpressed, Mordaunt, who served as defence secretary for 85 days before being ousted by then-prime minister Boris Johnson in 2019, insisted on responding. She argued for investing in British defence "in this particular week", alluding to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
When Angelone claimed, "I'm on your side," Mordaunt fired back, "I don't think you are, sweetheart." Angelone called her remark "patronising" and added sarcastically, "As a positive thing I think it's great, war-mongering has always been a male-dominated industry, you've smashed the glass ceiling."
Escalating Exchange and Viewer Reactions
Mordaunt countered by saying she would introduce Angelone to "some other women that put their lives on the line to defend people like you being able to do what you want to do in your life, and make jokes about the government and all sorts of things, and enjoy the freedoms that we do in this country."
Angelone delivered a parting shot, "It's a tough sell to a guy from Belfast," eliciting more laughter. Viewers took to social media to comment on the incident, with one noting, "Penny Mordaunt is fuming on The Last Leg after being the butt of a joke by Vittorio Angelone. She was really not amused! It was hilarious!"
The episode marked Angelone's debut on the show, featuring alongside Mordaunt, comedian Jamli Maddix, and the regular hosting trio of Hills, Widdicombe, and Brooker. The tense exchange highlighted the intersection of comedy, politics, and defence issues, showcasing Mordaunt's unwavering stance amid the mockery.
