Andrea Jenkyns, the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, became so angry at questioning by Marina Purkiss on The Jeremy Vine Show she threatened to leave the television studio
This is the moment a Reform UK politician threatened to leave a TV studio mid-air during a debate about the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Andrea Jenkyns, who is the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, appeared to meet her match on The Jeremy Vine Show on Monday in the form of journalist Marina Purkiss, who questioned her about the releases.
Ms Purkiss, a regular on the programme and others including Good Morning Britain, expressed concern she feels Reform “are very vocal when it comes to protecting women and girls but they’re quiet about the Epstein files and accusations against Donald Trump.” She asked Ms Jenkyns if she “still supports Trump,” to which the former Tory MP failed to give a direct answer.
A clip shared on social media shows the debate become lively with Ms Purkiss challenging her fellow guest on the morning programme. However, Ms Jenkyns asks: “Is it even worth me sitting here? I do not get a word in edgeways… You’ve had enough, Marina. Right, I’m going to walk off if I do not get chance to speak.” At this point, the mum of one stands up as if to leave the TV studio in London. Mr Vine has to step in to calm proceedings, after which Ms Jenkyns refused to answer further questions on the matter.
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The pair were discussing the release of millions of files related to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when Mr Vine mentioned allegations against US president Mr Trump. Ms Purkiss said: “Under him (Mr Trump), there are still millions of files that haven’t been released. There is no mention of you (Reform UK) talking about women or girls unless through the lens of immigration, but here, when you’re faced with a guy who is on your side, not a peep.”
This led to Ms Jenkyns’ dramatic reaction, which happened during the opening 15 minutes of the Channel 5 programme broadcast live every weekday. Social media users reacted with praise for Ms Purkiss, a reporter who rose to prominence during the Brexit campaigns for her scathing online commentary.
One user on X posted: “Fair play to Marina Purkiss”. Another post read: “Well done Marina Purkiss… Andrea really doesn’t like being held to account.”
The Epstein files include claims Mr Trump sexually abused a young girl. When asked about the allegations, the White House referred reporters to the Department of Justice statement, which branded the claims as “unfounded and false” and said the Epstein investigation has been “weaponised” against Trump. They also appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Prince Andrew, crouched over an unidentified woman.
