Rachel Reeves Made A Big Speech But The Bored Workers Behind Her Stole The Show
Rachel Reeves made a big speech on the government’s spending plans – but ended up being overshadowed by the bored workers made to stand behind her.
The chancellor visited a bus factory in Rochdale to announce billions of pounds worth of transport projects across the north of England and the Midlands – areas where Labour are now under threat from Reform UK.
She also used the 30-minute speech to attack Nigel Farage’s party and the Tories, while setting out Labour’s economic vision for the UK.
The set-piece address comes ahead of next week’s government spending review, when Reeves will set out how much money each Whitehall department will get from the Treasury over the next three years.
However, the chancellor’s aides may well be regretting forcing some of the factory’s workers to stand behind her as she delivered the speech, which was shown live on Sky News.
Users of X were quick to point out the “terrible optics” for Reeves of clearly-bored members of the public watching on as she addressed the nation.
I don't think I've ever seen a more bored audience standing behind a cabinet minister. Terrible optics for Rachel Reeves. pic.twitter.com/pfuRLKoBvA
— Ben Bloch (@realBenBloch) June 4, 2025
Bloke on the left is the star of the show so far https://t.co/l9uDkKC55F
— Jack Elsom (@JackElsom) June 4, 2025
Me when Rachel Reeves says “£22bn black hole” for the 5th time within a minute. pic.twitter.com/XXGrL2E1b8
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) June 4, 2025
I think the guy second left sums up how we all feel listening to Rachel Reeves. pic.twitter.com/c1Renjp8zl
— Roy Hayes (@lroyhayes) June 4, 2025
Another ministerial speech in a workplace where a bunch of workers have been dragged in to stand behind the podium and look thoroughly bored by the whole thing. Which is surely not the look the comms team is going for...
— Olly Barratt (@ollybarratt) June 4, 2025
The workforce being made to stand behind Rachel Reeves look suicidal.
— Marieanna ???????????????? (@MarieannaONeill) June 4, 2025
Is it possible to be bored to death?
Surely this abuse is prohibited by employment laws. pic.twitter.com/vvwKz7Ajc5
Who thought it was a good idea to put Rachel Reeves in front of one of these 'workers of factories' audiences to speak ????????♂️ pic.twitter.com/9Uv8DqNnEW
— Tis Me... (@EvointheMill) June 4, 2025
You've got to feel for the local bus workers in Rochdale who've been on their feet for the best part of an hour to act as a backdrop for Rachel Reeves's transport speech today.
— Rob Parsons (@RobParsonsNorth) June 4, 2025
Not sure how much they're enjoying the experience. Hope they're wearing comfortable shoes. pic.twitter.com/sJqDu6ndpu
Why do Labour think forcing a load of obviously bored and disinterested people to stand behind them is a good look ?
— Dave Redman (@r88754702) June 4, 2025