Rishi Sunak on This Morning: Alison Hammond challenges PM on Suella Braverman’s speeding incident

In the latest instalment of This Morning drama, the UK prime minister appeared on the show. This was not to fill in for Philip Schofield however, as he sat opposite Alison Hammond and Craig Doyle for an interview.

Alison, 48, questioned Rishi Sunak on Suella Braverman, who has recently come under scrutiny for a speeding incident in May 2022. BBC news reports that Braverman controversially asked government officials to help her with the charge, which could put her in violation of the ministerial code as an MP. 

The code requires ministers to ensure "no conflict arises" between their public duties and their private interests. As the UK home secretary, as well as being Fareham’s member of parliament, this directly applies to Suella Braverman. Rishi Sunak, 43, just yesterday decided no further investigation into the matter was necessary, as Braverman eventually took three points on her licence and accepted a fine. 

Speaking to the Prime Minister, Alison Hammond said: “Here’s the thing right. If she was just going to do the speed awareness course and I saw her on the course, I’d be like ‘that’s amazing, Suella’s like one of the people… she breaks the law as well, she has to pay the fine’.It would’ve been so much better to see her do that course and just be part of the people.”

Responding to Alison, Rishi Sunak said: “I think the main point is she took the point, she paid the fine, as she should’ve done. She was just exploring options for how that might be done, given her position… she’s apologised… so I think [it’s] right to draw a line under it now”.

Many viewers of the ITV breakfast show took to social media to express their frustration with how the interview with Sunak was handled by Alison and Craig Doyle. One user wrote: “@thismorning and @AlisonHammond completely embarrassing themselves. We expect this level of sycophancy from the fawning MPs trying to climb the greasy pole, NOT from daytime television, Sunday Morning excepting, obviously.” Another added: “Why let @TheCraigDoyle and @AlisonHammond interview the Prime Minister this seemed to be an atrocious interview. Hasn’t done the reputation of the show and its presenters any good.”

However, some viewers had a more positive reaction to the interview, with a third writing: “Loving the interview with @RishiSunak @TheCraigDoyle and @AlisonHammond asked great questions and banter! Well done! Very down to earth. Wish you had more time, you two would have got so much more out of him!”