A Sky News reporter was “forcibly removed” from Rishi Sunak’s first election campaign rally while he was live on air.
Broadcaster Darren McCaffrey and his crew were escorted from the ExCel centre by two security guards, with the political correspondent saying they had not been allowed in due to broadcast pooling arrangements.
Sky cut to the reporter while he was being pushed along a corridor by two members of security in red hi-vis jackets.
In the meantime the reporter remained professional telling the camera: “And I’m being forcibly removed. We just simply wanted to have access tonight as Sky News but unfortunately we’re told because the pool arrangement is in place we’re not allowed to be here.
“By the way what we are trying to film is the campaign event where the Prime Minister is due to speak in the next couple of minutes in front of Conservative activists.
“It's not entirely clear why we don't have access to it.”
This is amazing by @darrenmccaffrey - hats off to him seamlessly carrying on broadcasting while getting manhandled by security guards 😆 pic.twitter.com/2gwgh34Acb
— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) May 22, 2024
The reporter later shared a picture of a near empty side room in the ExCel centre with the caption “let the election campaign begin...”
Meanwhile presenter Sophy Ridge joked: “'Darren, I have to say I am really enjoying the fact that you are being escorted by a security guard I can see behind you - just to make sure you don't try and scramble back into the venue.'
Activists and journalists gathered in east London as Mr Sunak kicked off his election campaign rally following his rain-soaked announcement that there will be a poll on July 4.
The Prime Minister was all smiles as addressed a crowd of around 100 members during the first Conservative campaign rally of the General Election.
The crowd cheered as cabinet members entered the room before Home Secretary James Cleverly kicked off the rally with a speech.
Mr Cleverly introduced the Prime Minister to a roar of applause from the audience.
Members held placards reading Vote Conservative and cheering to music as Mr Sunak took to the stage.
With his jacket ditched and his sleeves rolled up, the Prime Minister appeared excited.
