It rarely goes well when prime ministers try to sound like the masses. David Cameron forgot which football team he supported. Theresa May’s childhood naughtiness extended to running through wheatfields.
Now Rishi Sunak has revealed the great sacrifice his family made when he was a child – depriving him of Sky TV. Thus, again, he has invited ridicule on his pothole-strewn campaign trail. This latest appearance was in of Normandy, attracting much criticism in the process.
Presenter Paul Brand asked Sunak about his wealth and whether he’s ever had to go without. He squirmed, laughed nervously and racked his brains for any hint of hardship. “There were all sorts of things that I would’ve wanted as a kid that I couldn’t have,” he replied unconvincingly.
“Famously, Sky TV. That was something that we never had growing up.” “It was clearly a bid to look humble but it came across as ,” says PR consultant Mark Borkowski.
“Sunak’s messaging and soundbites are awful. Every move he makes proves how out of touch he is.” 'There'll be all sorts of things that I would have wanted as a kid that I couldn't have - famously Sky TV' reveals the sacrifices his parents were forced to make when he was young Watch full interview on the Tonight programme on ITV at 7pm — ITV News (@itvnews) Social media immediately erupted with mocking memes.
There were pictures of Matt Hancock pretending to cry and Blackadder muttering “Oh god, it’s pathetic”. Older users pointed out.