Moment Kemi Badenoch is upstaged by a mouse during live ITV interview | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
Kemi Badenoch’s remarks about Keir Starmer on ITV don’t seem to have shocked the audience as much as a mouse running across the screen during a live interview. Badenoch appeared on political show Peston late last night (Wednesday, February 4) to discuss the government’s stance on Lord Peter Mandelson’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
However, viewers found themselves more occupied by a wily mouse that darted from under a desk in Badenoch’s Westminster office. Following host Robert Peston’s questioning about Badenoch’s support for a change of government that could delay the release of the Mandelson files, Badenoch said: “The important thing is that the information comes out.”
Just as he began making remarks about how Starmer had reversed course on sending information to the Intelligence and Security Committee, the rodent emerged from under his desk.
The Conservative politician appeared unaware of the notable intruder, but viewers at home flocked to social media to highlight the pest.
One person who turned to X to comment on the moment joked: “That mouse timing definitely made my day.” Another joked: “If it’s in Parliament House, it’s had a rodent problem for a long time.” Another said: “I suspect this is a small mouse leaving a sinking ship.”
The jokes continued as one person said: “This was just another Tory defecting to Reformation.” Another joked: “This looks like Peter Mandelson sneaking out of the room thinking he wouldn’t be noticed.”
Ten years ago The Mirror revealed that Parliamentary officials were spending £1,500 a week on pest control. The State Department even welcomed a new cat into the building, calling it “the head mouse.”
A UK Parliament spokesman said: “Parliamentary grounds are a safe workplace with robust hygiene processes in place.
“We are committed to maintaining a humane and ethical pest control program that focuses on preventative measures and the use of a variety of control methods. We continue to comply with all regulatory obligations.”
