Question Time’s Fiona Bruce appeared to take a swipe at newly-appointed minister Esther McVey last night.
Announcing next week’s panel, the BBC host said the episode will be broadcast from Doncaster, and will feature the Spectator’s Andrew Neil, comedian Zoe Lyons and Esther McVey.
Commenting on the Tories’ nominated spokesperson she added: “Also known – or briefed out from No. 10 anyway – as the ‘minister for common sense’!
“Make of that what you will!
“We can ask her, I don’t know either.”
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The £400,000-a-year star’s jibe echoed Labour’s sneering earlier in the week, with MP Alison McGovern – who appeared on last night’s Question Time broadcast – asking: “As a prime minister if you need to install a minister for common sense is it an admission that you yourself don’t really have any?”
Ms McVey responded by poking fun at Labour, joking: “I appreciate the concept is a difficult one to grasp for the members on the other side of the benches there!
“I am committed to delivering common-sense decisions such as delaying the ban on petrol and diesel cars, delaying the ban on oil and gas boilers, scrapping HS2 Birmingham to Manchester, reducing the overseas budget.
“All common sense policies that those on the opposite benches have voted against.
“This side of the House is full of common sense and I’m building on all those policies.”
Many on the right believe Ms McVey was brought in during last week’s Cabinet reshuffle to placate them following Suella Braverman’s sacking.
Writing in the Express, she pointed out that the role of Minister without Portfolio – her official title – “is nothing new”.
The post has been around for about 100 years, with Ken Clarke and Peter Mandelson both previously holding it.
She wrote: “It’s a scrutinising role, working across all departments. Nicknamed the “Minister for Common Sense”, it’s about delivering value for the public and keeping a keen eye out for policies that need to be squashed”.
