Dowden manufacturers Rayner and Starmer the ‘Phil and Holly of British politics’

The Deputy Prime Minister has accused Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner of being the “Phil and Holly of British Politics”, accusing the Labour pair of being “lovey-dovey for the camera” however going at one another’s throats in non-public.

Oliver Dowden made the dig at PMQs, referencing the continuing tensions between the This Morning presenters amid their ongoing feud.

“We all know what’s going on with her and her leader – it’s all lovey-dovey on the surface, they turn it on for the cameras, but as soon as they’re off it’s a different story, they’re at each other’s throats.

“Mr Speaker, they’re the Phil and Holly of British politics!”

Angela Rayner her questions by joking: “It’s a pleasure to welcome yet one more Deputy Prime Minister to the dispatch field, my third in three years – and you realize what they are saying: third time’s a attraction”.

Mr Dowden retorted: “I used to be anticipating to face the Leader of the Opposition’s alternative for Deputy Prime Minister ought to they win the following election, so I’m shocked the Lib Dem chief isn’t taking questions!”

During a later question from a Tory backbencher about Keir Starmer wanting to give EU nationals the vote in UK elections, Mr Dowden quipped: “While the Conservatives will cease the boats, Labour will rig the votes!”

Oliver Dowden took Rishi Sunak’s place at PMQs today, as the PM is currently flying to Japan for the G7.

It’s customary for the Deputy Prime Minister – or their equivalent in the Government – to stand in for the PM at PMQs if they’re unavailable.

Tory MPs still turned out en masse for the session of deputies, cheering loudly when Mr Dowden entered the Chamber.

Despite only being appointed as Deputy Prime Minister following Dominic Raab’s resignation a few weeks ago, Mr Dowden is no stranger to PMQs.

He’s helped prepare every Tory leader since Michael Howard for the Punch and Judy sessions, with the exception of Liz Truss.