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Rory Stewart mocked after spinning in his chair to stare at female journalist on Newsnight

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 24 September 2026.

Rory Stewart (left) and Ailbhe Rea, whose Newsnight discussion about AI dominance ended with Stewart spinning sharply in his chair to fix her with a stare that spawned countless memes on X.
Rory Stewart (left) and Ailbhe Rea, whose Newsnight discussion about AI dominance ended with Stewart spinning sharply in his chair to fix her with a stare that spawned countless memes on X.

Rory Stewart has become an unlikely internet meme after a clip of him swivelling sharply in his seat to stare intensely at New Statesman political editor Ailbhe Rea during a Newsnight panel went viral on X. The former Conservative MP had just described Britain's dependence on US and Chinese AI as 'terrifying' when host Matt Chorley turned to Rea — prompting Stewart's sudden, unblinking pivot. Neither Rea, presenter Matt Chorley, nor fellow panelist Neil Kinnock reacted as Stewart held his gaze before reaching for a mug.

Total Politics Group chief executive Mark Wallace called the moment 'magnificently strange', comparing Stewart to comedian Kevin Eldon.

Viewers compared the swivel to 'a jackknifing lorry' and 'a labrador hearing a bag of crisps open', with one asking how Rea 'managed to keep a straight face'.

MoreYahoo News UKRory Stewart mocked for ‘magnificently strange’ Newsnight momentDaily MailVideo: Awkward moment Rory Stewart stares intently at journalist - Daily MailThe SunRory Stewart becomes instant meme as he turns & stares at fellow Newsnight guest - The SunDaily Mail AURory Stewart is ridiculed for bizarre Newsnight appearance which saw him spin and stare intently at female journalist
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