Kemi Badenoch has criticised Prime Minister Andy Burnham for appearing on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, questioning whether he is concentrating on the country’s most pressing problems.
Mr Burnham appeared on a special episode of the programme alongside his ally, Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram, in support of Stand Up to Cancer. He is the first serving prime minister to feature on the reality television show.
Ms Badenoch said she was concerned that the Prime Minister was spending time on television appearances rather than dealing with issues affecting national security and the wider economy.
“I worry that between the Prime Minister being on Gogglebox and then talking about stockpiling canned goods, they’re not actually doing the really difficult stuff that will protect the country,” the Conservative leader said.
The episode featured the pair watching emotional films about people living with cancer, including Callum, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 15, and Shona and her husband Will, who were diagnosed with cervical and bowel cancer respectively.
Reacting to the stories, Mr Burnham said: “I just couldn’t imagine” and “it’s devastating for that family”. He also spoke about progress in cancer research and said he did not know how the couple featured in one film coped with their circumstances.
The programme included lighter moments, with Mr Burnham correctly answering a question about the royal household while watching Only Connect. Drinking a pint of beer on a sofa, he also joked about his ability to count while attempting one of the quiz’s puzzles: “I’ll be alright at the Budget, me.”
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer separately criticised the appearance, saying he wanted the Prime Minister to focus on improving the country rather than appearing on television.
“There’s a point – as much as we appreciate our PM’s efforts to appear as normal as a soggy biscuit and a pint of milk – where I (and my constituents) would like him to get on with sorting out the country’s debt, deficit, energy prices, foreign conflicts, waiting lists, housing shortage etc etc etc,” he wrote.
Asked about the criticism on BBC 5 Live, Mr Burnham said he had a 10-year plan for the country but would not apologise for bringing “a bit of levity here and there, a bit of positivity”.
“I’m trying to give the country a lift, trying to give the country some hope,” he said, adding that the appearance had been made in support of Stand Up to Cancer.
A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister had taken part “in a personal capacity” and had a long-standing commitment to supporting charities, continuing work he began as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Mr Burnham also discussed Celebrity Traitors during the programme, saying politicians could “spot faithfuls and traitors a mile off”. He has previously made a number of light-hearted media appearances, including videos about pub snacks, biscuits and tea.
