Fans of ITV daytime programme Lorraine were switching off in droves as deputy prime minister Angela Rayner appeared on-screen after Keir Starmer’s “embarrassment” last night (July 1). The Labour PM was forced to climb down from his previous stance on welfare to get the bill through the first Commons vote, dropping disability benefits cuts in the wake of a party rebellion.

Now Rayner has appeared on Lorraine Kelly’s morning show to discuss the vote – but fans weren’t impressed. They quickly turned to X to tweet their discomfort, with one writing: “Turning the channel over #Lorraine!” as another echoed: “Dear God #Lorraine, one to miss I think!”

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Somebody else posted: “Nah… off button,” at seeing who the guest was, while somebody else joked: “Well this is certainly going to be an in-depth political interview with Angela Rayner!”

Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner appeared on Lorraine (Image: ITV)

Lorraine

Lorraine grilled Rayner on her future ambitions (Image: ITV)

Another viewer grumbled: “What a dreadful sycophantic interview of Angela Rayner.” While somebody else tweeted: “Just tuned in for the first time in ages… f***ing hell couldn’t press that button to turn over quick enough!”

In the interview, Lorraine asked Rayner if she wants to step into the prime minister’s shoes should Starmer step back, probing: “A lot of people have said that you are there waiting to jump into the job. You’re deputy prime minister – if he does go, then inevitably you would do, but when you’re asked that question, is it something you want to do, at some point… what would you say?”

Rayner responded: “No. I’m very interested in delivering for the people of this country. To be elected as an MP from my background was incredible. And when I first went into Parliament, I thought, ‘This is Hogwarts. This is an incredible place, I’ve never been anywhere like it’. It was like going in a church, it was an incredible building.

“But having that opportunity to serve my community that have raised me, looked after me, given me opportunities… to be deputy prime minister of this country has got to count for something. Not a title, but what are you going to give back to your community?

“And that’s why I’m so passionate about council houses, making sure we’ve got good, strong employment rights and that we’re delivering for working people in this country.