Nick Ferrari spoke with Gillian Keegan on his LBC breakfast show and demanded to know why Vaccine Minister Maggie Throup has yet to make an appearance on national media. Ms Throup, who took over from Nadhim Zahawi last month, has been noted for not making many public appearances at a time where the coronavirus booster programme struggles to get off the ground. Ms Keegan defended her fellow Conservative MP and said she had "a lot to offer" as she was getting the hang of her new role.

       Speaking on LBC, Mr Ferrari grilled Ms Keegan over the absent Mr Throup who has been noted for not appearing on national media outlets since taking office.

       An irritated Mr Ferrari demanded to know when he would speak to her and asked: “Maggie Throup, and not being personal at all but she is a minister, where is she?”

       Ms Keegan noted she was in the House of Commons and has made several statements there but Mr Ferrari dismissed the point and wanted to know when she would be coming to the media.

       The Care Minister said she was there today but Mr Ferrari continued to chip away and ask where was Ms Throup.

       The radio host noted the previous Vaccine Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, was a “tremendous performer” on the media with Ms Gillian noting he has been an MP and minister for much longer than his successor.

       She added: “Don’t underestimate Maggie, she is a biomedical scientist and she has an awful lot to offer in this space.

       “So she will be out and about and she will get the delight of meeting you soon I’m sure Nick.”

       Mr Ferrari noted “the great Zahawi” conducted 17 media interviews in the same time Ms Throup has been in office.

       Ms Keegan again defended her colleague and said she was focused on her brief and getting the booster shot programme off the ground.

       Ms Throup has been in the House of Commons this week answering urgent questions and presenting statements to the House following Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s press conference.

       But many political pundits have noted she has not conducted a media interview yet when compared to Mr Zahawi who was a regular face on national broadcasters.

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       Political commentators have noted her lack of media appearances could have a knock on effect on the new COVID-19 booster programme which is struggling to kick off.

       Ms Throup took office on September 16 when the Conservatives went through a reshuffle.

       Mr Zahawi was appointed as Education Secretary following what some consider to be a good time as Vaccine Minister.