At Prime Minister's Questions, Kemi Badenoch mocked Andy Burnham as "a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt," prompting Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to caution her over her language. Labour peer Stewart Wood said the attack fell flat. Burnham replied hours later with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video in which he fluttered his eyelashes and quipped, "It's dark blue, actually." The clip drew a mix of humorous and serious reactions online and kept the exchange at the centre of public attention.
Andy Burnham Fires Back After Kemi Badenoch's 'Eyelashes' Dig At PMQs
Dan Kitwood / Getty Images
Andy Burnham has responded after Kemi Badenoch dismissed him during a heated exchange at Prime Minister's Questions, calling him "a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt." The remark came as Badenoch launched a broader attack on Labour amid ongoing political developments involving Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Her tone drew criticism in the chamber and prompted Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to intervene to caution her about her choice of language. Labour peer Stewart Wood also suggested the barb missed the mark and failed to land as intended.
The comment was directed at Burnham, who has been widely mentioned in discussions about Labour's next steps. Hours after PMQs, Burnham posted a playful Instagram video in response. In the clip he fluttered his eyelashes, glanced at his clothes and deadpanned:
"It's dark blue, actually."
The light-hearted riposte quickly generated a flurry of social media reactions. Many users responded with humour and support: one suggested Badenoch had mixed up eyelashes with "his crowning glory, eyebrows," while another celebrated representation for men with noticeable eyelashes. Other commenters struck a more serious tone, urging incoming leadership to deliver real change.
This exchange highlights how parliamentary sparring can quickly spill onto social platforms, where a short, witty response can become the focus of the public conversation.
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