Andy Burnham skewered over Gogglebox gig - 'We need real leadership'

Andy Burnham skewered over Gogglebox gig - 'We need real leadership' Ted Jeffery, co-founder of Defence on the Brink, called out the prime minister on TalkTV. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Megan Bull 15:17, Fri, Oct 23, 2026 Updated: 15:20, Fri, Oct 23, 2026 Andy Burnham been slammed for appearing on Gogglebox instead of focusing on defence spending (Image: Getty) Ted Jeffery, co-founder of Defence on the Brink, has called for Andy Burnham to show "real leadership". Appearing on TalkTV on Friday (23 October), the journalist called out the prime minister and his ministers for failing to carve out a clear, definitive path for defence spending. "Chancellor John Healey, next week, needs to set out that clear pathway to spending 3% of our GDP on defence by 2030," Jeffery explained. "That needs to be set out next week. Obviously, I'd like to see a lot more being spent because I think there are a lot of tricks that have been played with the percentages of GDP in the budgets, in terms of what actually gets spent on core defence. "But also, when we're talking about resilience, the launch [of the 'Be Ready' campaign ] that we saw yesterday was pathetic, quite frankly, and actually we need more, in terms of public awareness campaigns, information films and a proper statement from the prime minister. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "Enough of this going on Gogglebox eating pork scratchings with Steve Rotheram; actually what we want to see is real leadership," Jeffery declared. "We can't defend this country with hope in our heart. We need proper air defences, and we need a proper Navy that can patrol our seas." Get reviews, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Echoing some of Jeffery's comments, Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition, has also taken issue with Burnham's Gogglebox appearance , which will air on Friday evening as part of the Stand Up to Cancer special. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Speaking with Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on Friday's instalment of BBC Breakfast, she said, "What I'm amazed at is that Andy Burnham has got time to go on Gogglebox. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Andy Burnham torn apart over Gogglebox appearance by Kemi Badenoch Andy Burnham urges Britons to stockpile as he slaps down Angela Rayner 🚨"Enough of this going on Gogglebox eating pork scratchings with Steve Rotheram, actually what we want to see is real leadership."Ted Jeffery, Co-founder of Defence on the Brink calls on the government to set out a clear path on defence spending.@CharlieRowley18 https://t.co/JK7Z2y96B6 — Talk (@TalkTV) October 23, 2026 "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." "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 for this much Goggleboxing, social media, Lad Bible," she continued. "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." TalkTV Andy Burnham Gogglebox Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments