Good Morning Britain Air Empty Chair After Ministers' No Show Amid Party Scandals

Good Morning Britain aired an empty chair on today's show to represent the absence of a government minister.

Adil Ray and Susanna Reid, who were presenting today's programme, explained this "often happens".

You can watch the clip below:

Adil explained: "This often happens when there's a big news story around the government, when they've got their backs to the wall and they need to answer questions is that they disappear. So we are hearing that we may well not get a government minister this morning despite being a national breakfast show.

"We do have cake... maybe they would like to come in, we do have cake, we can offer you cake, cheese, wine.

Charlotte Hawkins then says: "Don't tell me you're planning to ambush them with cake?"

"You call it an ambush, I call it a party," said Adil.

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"If ministers are around, we'd love for you to speak to the UK, there is a police investigation going on and the least you can do is answer some questions to us if not to the police."

Susanna adds: "Don't worry you don't have to answer them under caution, on this programme."

On Tuesday, Met Police Chief Cressida Dick announced the force will be investigating a number of allegations of parties held in Downing Street while lockdown restrictions were in place.

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She said: “We have a long-established and effective working relationship with the Cabinet Office, who have an investigative capability. As you well know they have been carrying out an investigation over the last few weeks.

“What I can tell you this morning is that as a result of the information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team and, secondly, my officers’ own assessment, I can confirm that the Met is now investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations.”