Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Helen Coffey

Election result viewers praise Emily Maitlis for hilariously shutting down Nadine Dorries

BBC

Support truly
independent journalism

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

Editor

Viewers of the General Election results have praised presenter Emily Maitlis for hilariously “running rings around” former Conservative MP Nadine Dorries during Channel 4’s coverage.

The former Newsnight anchor repeatedly clashed with Dorries, calling her out on multiple occasions and at times appearing to struggle to control her facial expressions.

At one point, former cabinet minister Dorries claimed that the Tories were losing votes because Conservative leader Rishi Sunak had dropped policies like the Windsor Framework.

“The Windsor Framework was actually his policy,” responded a bemused Maitlis.

At another, Maitlis seemed barely able to hide her contempt when Dorries refused to answer a question about whether ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson could return as an MP after the Tories’ crushing defeat.

“Emily Maitlis has lost all patience with Nadine Dorries and I am living,” tweeted one amused viewer, clipping up the presenter’s exasperated facial expression. “Live on Channel 4: Emily Maitlis weighing up whether or not it’s worth jeopardising her entire broadcasting career to strangle Nadine Dorries live on air,” commented another.

Previously the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Dorries has long been renowned for her fierce support of Boris Johnson.

Maitlis was also praised for challenging her on this, saying: “You are funny, let’s be honest. You call David Cameron a posh boy but Boris Johnson has been to exactly the same school and had the same upbringing, [and] is absolutely fine,” and adding: “They’re all very privileged people, but somehow you choose the one you love.”

Dorries claimed that Johnson “had no money growing up” and “knows what hardship is like” but was quickly shouted down by the other Channel 4 panellists.

In general, social media reaction suggested that Maitlis had come out on top.

“Genuinely obsessed with Emily Maitlis running rings around Nadine Dorries,” reads one comment.

“Emily Maitlis is KILLING it I have to say, next to an incredibly stroppy Nadine Dorries. Hilarious watching actually,” said another, while one viewer said they were “glued to Emily Maitlis blatantly crucifying the supremely ridiculous Nadine Dorries.”

Some even felt that the illustrious broadcaster represented the nation as she butted heads with Dorries: “Emily Maitlis is basically all of us with Nadine Dorries and her blatant lies on Channel 4 tonight.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.