Tory MP ruthlessly mocked by reporter for saying Theresa May’s government is 'strong and stable’

'Is this a speech you've all been given to read out?' asks incredulous BBC host Simon McCoy

A Conservative MP was laughed at by a BBC News presenter for using the phrase "strong and stable" in an interview about the party's attempts to form a new government.

Simon McCoy appeared unable to believe that Alan Mak has used the catchphrase that Theresa May and other members of her party used repeatedly during the general election campaign.

As Ms May held her first Cabinet meeting since the Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority, Mr Mak said: "Our job is to make sure that we form a strong and stable government to make sure we deliver for the people."

Cutting him off, Mr McCoy asked: "Oh, are you really still saying 'strong and stable?"

The MP for Havant replied: "Well, our job is to provide certainty. Look, it's been a tumultuous election."

Mr McCoy guffawed and putting his fingers to his temples, he said: "I'm sorry to laugh but, you know, we're in a country where if you talk to anybody at the weekend, people are quite worried.

"Three words you would not have heard were 'strong', 'stable' and 'certainty'. Those are three things that we don't have."

Mr Mak said: "Well I think we've come through a tough election period, I've said we're disappointed by the fact we didn't get a majority, but our objective now is to make sure we govern in the interest of the whole country, put aside our party interest.

"We've got to analyse where things went right, where things went wrong. But what's important is we get off to a good start with the Brexit negotiations, govern in the national interest, have the Cabinet confirmed that we're looking for to make sure we put our best foot forward and get a good deal with the DUP as well."

Mr McCoy said: "Is this a speech you've all been given to read out? Because it sounds very formulaic, very put-together and not actually bearing very much relation to the atmosphere here in Westminster at the moment, which is, let's face it, febrile, chaotic, uncertain."