Where’s ‘hot podium guy’? Social media users despair as man who melted hearts from steps of Downing Street while carrying a lectern is nowhere to be seen [Video]

08:34 EDT 05 Jul 2024, updated 08:46 EDT 05 Jul 2024

His appearances outside Downing Street on big political occasions have left fans swooning, but social media users despaired today as ‘hot podium guy’ was nowhere to be seen. 

Tobias Gough – who is more commonly known by his Internet moniker – first melted hearts with his ‘sexy’ swagger when he set up the lectern for Liz Truss’ exit speech, before returning again when Rishi Sunak called a snap election.

Hopes grew that he would make a reappearance as Mr Sunak prepared to deliver his own final farewell this morning, only for two other workmen to appear in his place. 

Gough threw admirers into a frenzy when he placed the Downing Street lectern and did a sound check during Liz Truss‘s departure in October 2022.

The simple act – so crucial in speech scenarios – meant Ms Truss was able to make her leaving remarks and depart No 10 for …