Once, a battle for the future of the Labour party meant serious politicians debating ideological differences through lengthy speeches. In 2026, it means 60-second video clips shared on social media. This week, we’ve had a double delight. First up was Andy Burnham’s wistful walk through the Makerfield constituency he hopes to make his own. So far, so clichéd. More interesting – and more disturbing – was Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s foray into film.
For reasons unexplained, Phillipson has been filmed in the offices of the Department for Education
For reasons unexplained, Phillipson has been filmed in the offices of the Department for Education in conversation with ‘media personality’ Gemma Collins. For the uninitiated, Collins made her name in the reality television show The Only Way is Essex. Her larger-than-life personality ensured star status, which paved the way for appearances on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating and Dancing on Ice. Lovable and savvy though she undoubtedly is, Collins is famous for being famous.
Yet here she is, popping up on the Department for Education’s social media feed. ‘Gemma Collins is in the building and she’s got questions,’ we’re told, ahead of an 18-second clip of the Kween of Essex sashaying out of a lift, through an open-plan workspace and past busy members of staff. (Or are they actors? Who knows what’s real any more?).
