Jess Phillips’ killer pause was a brilliant takedown of Boris Johnson’s parenting skills

John Plunkett. Updated October 30th, 2019

Takedown of the week goes to Labour MP Jess Phillips who delivered a brutal takedown of Boris Johnson’s parenting skills at PMQs in the House of Commons today.

Phillips was paying tribute to outgoing Speaker John Bercow whose children were apparently in the chamber today to watch his swansong.

But it wasn’t what Phillips said about Bercow that caught people’s attention. It was the way she turned her attention to Johnson that had them applauding.

"It's a delight to see your children here watching today… I know you take your responsibilities as a parent incredibly seriously"

Labour's Jess Phillips pays tribute to Commons Speaker John Bercow – and takes a swipe at Boris Johnson#PMQs updates https://t.co/mMSF3R1lJu pic.twitter.com/t0RCi3ZusW

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 30, 2019

All about the pause!

‘I know you take your responsibility to your children incredibly seriously … and now to the Prime Minister.’

Jess Phillips delivers a brutal line very well. At PMQs she praises Bercow, and notes his kids are in the public gallery: "I know he takes his responsibilities as a parent very seriously."

[pause]

"And now, to the prime minister."

— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) October 30, 2019

@jessphillips is quite honestly a joy to watch. She is fair, straight talking and is a breathe of fresh air to all the blithering, jingoism and blatant disregard for the seat of office which unfortunately many of them do! 👏🏻

— 🍃🍂🍂🌾 (@Kirstie_ie) October 30, 2019

Yes it was nicely judged – and a telling blow. She is turning into a formidable Parliamentarian

— Whitters (@IanWhitlock53) October 30, 2019

And here’s what Phillips had to say later.

Watch the rest of Jess Phillips' question at #PMQs ⬇️https://t.co/ZIT6ftPF9i

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 30, 2019

H/T Indy100