The name Joe Lycett has been on everyone’s lips this weekend after the comedian went viral during an appearance on the BBC’s new politics show, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Dead panning the role of a “right-wing” Tory supporter, Lycett left viewers in stitches as he joked that he thought Liz Truss gave “great clear answers” when asked for his “honest” opinion on the then Tory leadership hopeful.
Spoofing Kuenssberg on her very first show, the comedian described Truss as “the backwash of the available MP’s” after twelve years of Tory rule.
His comments have since been shared millions of times online, alongside screenshots of him wearing a brightly colored yellow overshirt.
Dressed in a grapefruit yellow fit from sustainable Manchester brand Usksees, he didn’t pull any punches as he told viewers: “I know there’s been criticism in the The Mail on Sunday today about leftie liberal wokie comedians on the BBC. I’m actually very right-wing and I loved it.
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Sharing screenshots of the interview and some of the furore Lycett’s comments caused online, local Manchester workwear brand Usksees quipped: “Our boy Joe Lycett is having a quiet day in the media today, wearing an equally quiet shirt”
Directing their followers to get the Lycett look, they added it’s “perfect for work, play and holding power to account.”
Lycett told Kuenssberg, who has just taken over the Sunday politics slot after 16 years of Andrew Marr: “I thought [Truss] was very clear, she gave great clear answers. I know exactly what she’s up to and I think she’s […] Most people watching at home are worried about their bills, they’re going to feel […] I’m not being sarcastic.
“She was very clear what she said, I think, you know exactly what’s going to happen. You’re reassured, I’m reassured. Are you reassured?”
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Image: Uskees
Image: Uskees
“I think you know that the haters will say that we’ve had 12 years of the Tories and that we’re sort of at the dregs of what they’ve got available and that Liz Truss is sort of like the backwash of the available MP’s.
“I wouldn’t say that because I’m incredibly right-wing, but some people might say that.”
“As Liz said there, she said it’d be wrong to predict the future even though loads of people have predicted that we’re going to have real issues with paying our energy bills but you know I think she’s right to just look basically say ‘well let’s not predict it and see what happens next week’, I think she did the right thing there.”
Lycett told his Twitter followers ahead of the show: “Really excited to be on this new version of Would I Lie To You.” Then, shortly after the episode ended, he quipped: “If you want to hear more of my right-wing opinions, I’m on tour.”
Happy to present @bbclaurak with a gift for her first show, something I knew she’d love – an original painting of Robert Peston in jail. pic.twitter.com/XKhfiLALT0
If you want to get the Lycett look yourself, you can check out the local unisex clothing store’s shop here.
Feature image – Usksees
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Georgina Pellant -
5th September 2022 
