Party leaders’ favourite TV shows – and what their choices say about them
Party leaders have shared details of what they have been watching on television lately, as part of a Radio Times election special. Here is what they chose – and what it says about them.
What he said: “Right now I’m spending my time travelling the country to hear from as many people as possible, so I don’t have a huge amount of time for telly beyond catching the Euros when I can.
“But I’ve recently enjoyed watching Bridgerton with Akshata. I’m always in awe at the talent that we have in this country, and fantastic period dramas like this showcase why this country stands as a creative industries superpower.”
What this means: Rishi’s answer has the air of a statement workshopped by half a dozen Downing Street staffers to ensure he doesn’t make another gaffe.
Compulsory mention of the Euros (he’s a man of the people!); dropping in a reference to his wife, Akshata, (he’s a normal guy who sits down to watch telly with the missus, just like couples who aren’t worth £651 million!); stressing that he likes Bridgerton because of its value to the creative economy, and definitely not because it features a topless Nicola Coughlan and the most cringe-making sex scene since Fifty Shades of Grey.
What he said: “When I get a chance to watch TV it’s normally with my children. Recently, I’ve watched a lot of Operation Ouch! and Horrible Histories with my daughter, and Something Special and Mr Tumble with my son John on his iPad. All great shows!”
What it means: After spending the last few weeks pratfalling for the cameras in a series of stunts with strong appeal to five-year-olds, Ed’s choices reveal his motive: the campaign has been one long audition for his dream job as a children’s TV presenter.
What he said: “I recently watched Baby Reindeer on Netflix, all in one sitting. The more I cringed, the more compulsive it became.”
What it means: What, no Dad’s Army? Still, good to see that Nigel has put his money where his mouth is and shunned the woke BBC and its regressive tax in favour of this streaming service mega-hit.
Critics may say that the drama about a comedian targeted by a deranged stalker is an apt choice for the Reform leader, featuring as it does a character whose smiley demeanour hides a dangerously toxic personality, but those people are just Left-wingers or members of the Cabinet. Also, it’s on brand because most of it is set in a pub.
What they said: (Carla) “I’m not getting much chance to watch TV at the moment. I’m more often on the other side of the camera. But on an evening off when I want to unwind, I can often be found watching a gentle murder mystery like Death in Paradise, or Doctor Who (although I’m way behind at the moment!).
“I don’t watch many political dramas (too much of a busman’s holiday) but I make exceptions for The West Wing and Borgen.”
(Adrian) “I like crime dramas and I’m currently streaming Rebus, though struggling to find much time to watch it at the moment. I’m also hoping to watch the England (and Scotland) matches in the Euros where the campaigning schedule allows!”
What this means: Hang on – should a co-leader of the Green Party really be advocating Death in Paradise, a show which encourages us to rack up the air miles by showcasing the sandy beaches of the Caribbean?
Adrian has chosen Ian Rankin’s gritty Edinburgh detective series and seems curiously keen to mention Scotland, despite only being co-leader for England and Wales. Sadly for Adrian, Scotland were knocked out on Sunday night.
What he said: “It’s good to be able to switch off completely from wall-to-wall politics and news, and I’ve found the wide range of sports documentaries available to be a fine way to escape.
“After making my way through Drive to Survive and Full Swing, I’m now enjoying the Netflix Quarterback series. In between reading manifestos and policy briefings, fellow train passengers may well see me watching an episode, headphones on, as I travel between debates and interviews during the campaign.”
What this means: No cultural hinterland. Gets points for wearing headphones on public transport, a vanishingly rare gesture these days.
What this means: Keir doesn’t want to tell us what he’s been watching, in case the series goes downhill and then he has to backtrack about how good he thought it was. Anyway, did you know his father was a toolmaker?
What this means: The man has enough on his plate sorting out the SNP chaos. When he gets home he probably just lies in a darkened room.
*Radio Times said: “All the party leaders were asked to respond to our question as to what they are currently watching on TV, but some didn’t reply by our press deadline.”