Danny Dyer Mocks UK Prime Minister in Expletive-Laden Rant
The actor questioned Prime Minister Andy Burnham's mandate, leading to a brief exchange.
Actor Danny Dyer has engaged in a public verbal spar with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following an expletive-laden critique of the country's leadership. Dyer stated he did not know who the current Prime Minister was or who had voted for him, questioning Burnham's legitimacy.
Speaking at a protest concerning the water industry in Kent, Dyer was asked for his message to the Prime Minister. "I don't know who the Prime Minister is, mate. Do you?" Dyer told BBC Radio Kent. Upon learning Burnham was in Downing Street, Dyer responded, "Yeah, but who is he? I don't understand. Did anyone vote for him? Because I didn't vote for him. I think we've had successive prime ministers that are c***s. End of."
Burnham, while traveling to the UN General Assembly in New York, attempted a retort. "I'm not sure I know who he is. Is he the father-in-law of a West Ham player?" Burnham inquired, referencing Dyer's daughter Dani's marriage to West Ham United player Jarrod Bowen.
Burnham ascended to the position of Prime Minister in July after a successful challenge against Keir Starmer, following his victory in the Makerfield by-election. His ascension as Labour leader was notable as he faced no other challengers from the parliamentary party, thereby avoiding a wider party membership vote. He has also resisted calls for a snap general election to secure a public mandate, despite previously advocating for such a move when the governing party changed leaders.
Dyer, accompanied by his daughter Dani and singer Becky Hill, had participated in a protest advocating for the nationalization of the water industry. Dyer, who also manages a caravan park on the Isle of Sheppey and appears in the Disney+ series Rivals, voiced concerns about the state of British waters, describing them as "a disgrace" and noting an unpleasant odor near the sea.
This is not the first time Dyer has publicly criticized a Prime Minister. In 2018, he directed strong language at former Prime Minister David Cameron, questioning his actions following the Brexit referendum.