03-07-2025
Minister Chris Bryant Mocks Richard Holden Over His Election 'Chicken Run'
Minister Chris Bryant brutally mocked Richard Holden in the Commons this morning by reminding him of the unusual way he was selected as an election candidate.
Holden, who was the Tory chairman a year ago but is now the shadow paymaster general, was moved into a safe Conservative seat ahead of the 2024 election.
He was effectively imposed on the Basildon and Billericay constituency in Essex just before the selection deadline after his previous North West Durham seat was abolished.
It sparked a significant backlash at the time and Tory bosses were accused of a 'stitch-up'.
Bryant, the culture, music and sport minister, could not wait to remind Holden of his 'chicken run' when the opposition MP stood up to ask him a question.
The Tory MP asked if the government could make sure it secures touring rights for musicians travelling around the EU.
But Bryant immediately hit back: 'If only he had been a minister in the previous government when they failed to take the deal that was on offer from the European Union.'
The scattered MPs in the Commons giggled at that, before the minister continued: 'I'm absolutely determined to get this sorted.
'Listen, if he wants to start promoting creative industries abroad, he might want to start thinking about film – for instance, Chicken Run.'
He also pointed to artist Caitlin Lavagna and joked that her song Run A Mile 'might suit' Holden, who just scowled in response.
Watch Chris Bryant skewer Richard Holden(Tory MP) over touring rights in the EU."If only he had been a minister in the previous govt... if he wants to start promoting the creative industries abroad... he might start thinking about the film chicken run..." 😂
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) July 3, 2025
Holden was ridiculed for running to a different seat last year, especially after promising he was 'bloody loyal' to the North East.
He also clashed with Sky's Jon Craig when he refused to explain why he had been 'parachuted' into a safer seat, and a Conservative Party press officer had to step in to stop the interview.
Holden ended up winning his seat by just 20 votes.
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