Tory MP brands BBC ‘pathetic’ as she clashes with presenters over Ben Houchen mayor election result

A Tory MP branded two BBC presenters “pathetic” as they clashed when discussing Ben Houchen’s re-election as Teeside mayor.

Andrea Leadsom appeared to take offense after journalist Jo Cobrun pointed out Mr Houchen's vote was down and that he never mentioned the Tories or Rishi Sunak on his election posters, when she appeared on Politics Live on Friday (3 May).

Ms Leadsom said: “That whole discussion is absolutely pathetic from the BBC. That is pathetic. He has won and it is all credit to a mayor who has done a brilliant job.”