If looks could kill. Esther McVey’s replacement at DWP did not look impressed to be asked about whether she still supports the death penalty:

“that comment was made a long time ago and is not relevant to today’s political debate”

By “comment” Priti means extended exchanges on Question Time and by “a long time ago” she means September 2011.

Having explained that she wasn’t swayed by Ian Hislop’s arguments about miscarriages of justice, this exchange with the Private Eye editor seemed to amuse the audience (Hislop from 4:32):

Hislop: Are you saying all they were guilty all these people [who have unsafe convictions]?

Patel: No I’m not saying they were guilty.

Hislop: But they’d be dead.

Patel: No.

Hislop: They would!

Patel: The point is this is about having deterrents. If you have strong deterrents …

Hislop: It’s not a deterrent killing the wrong people!

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.”

But not if it’s going to damage my ministerial career.