BBC presenter Andrew Neil clashed with Liberal Democrat MP Chuka Umunna over the number of times he has changed political parties since leaving the Labour Party in February. Speaking on Politics Live, Mr Umunna was mocked and asked whether he was “still in the Lib Dems” after being on the show for more than half-an-hour. Neil said: “Let’s talk about Chuka Umunna now and his political journey. Three different parties in almost as many months.

“You are now in the Lib Dems, we have been on-air now for half-an-hour, are you still in the Lib Dems?”

Chuckling at the dig, Mr Umunna replied insisting he was still in the Liberal Democrats.

But, Neil said: “That must be the longest time for quite a while you have stayed in a party, for over half-an-hour”.

The Lib Dem MP said he thought the host might question him in this way, as he continued laughing.

“You are now in the Lib Dems, we have been on-air now for half-an-hour, are you still in the Lib Dems?

BBC presenter Andrew Neil

During the interview, Mr Neil pressed Mr Umunna on who he would be backing to become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Umunna said he would not be backing either candidate, Ed Davey or Jo Swinson, who have both said they are running for leader.

The BBC host pointed out Mr Umunna was “already the Treasury spokesman”, which prompted more laughs on the panel.

Neil said: “Surely the Lib Dem Treasury spokesman must have a view on who your next your leader should be?”

Mr Umunna said he didn’t have a view, and would work with whoever won the contest, which prompted another quip from the BBC presenter.

The host said: “Unless you leave and make it four.”

Mr Umunna reiterated that he would “not be doing that” and said he “would not endorse” any candidate.

The BBC presenter also claimed the constituents of the MP for Streatham must be “confused” as he pressed Mr Umunna over why there would not be a by-election.

Mr Umunna left the Labour Party in February to form a breakaway group of MPs in frustration over the parties handling of anti-semitism and Brexit.

Shortly after Mr Umunna helped form Change UK – The Independent Group, which he left earlier this month.

Just 10 days after leaving the newly formed party, Mr Umunna joined the Liberal Democrats, a party he was deeply critical of for their role in the Conservative and Lib Dem coalition between 2010-2015.

Commenting on his decision to join the Liberal Democrats, Mr Umunna said: “Labour and the Tories are committed to facilitating Brexit, and Brexit makes endless austerity virtually impossible.

“The Liberal Democrats are not – they were arguing for a People’s Vote and to remain in the EU from the very start.

“I am convinced the Liberal Democrats, as the spearhead of a broader, progressive movement in civil society, offer the best chance to improve the lives of those I represent, as well as countless other citizens in our country.”

The Streatham MP has also been appointed shadow Treasury and business spokesperson by leader of the party Sir Vince Cable.

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