Rory Stewart, who previously served in cabinet positions, has discussed the origin of his peculiar nickname during his time at Oxford University and detailed the circumstances behind his unexpected social media fame following a memorable appearance on BBC’s Newsnight programme.
The former Conservative MP participated in a Newsnight discussion on current affairs but subsequently became the subject of widespread internet jokes after abruptly turning his head towards fellow panellist Ailbhe Rea, political editor at the New Statesman, when she raised the topic of artificial intelligence.
Stewart, who attended Balliol College at Oxford alongside future prime minister Boris Johnson, regarded her with a penetrating stare lasting several moments while wearing an expression of intense concentration.
During an episode of his podcast The Rest Is Politics, Stewart offered his account of the incident.
The former minister achieved viral status following the Newsnight occurrence.
He likened his unconventional physical behaviour to Ed Miliband’s notorious photograph involving a bacon sandwich and acknowledged that his bodily mannerisms and gestures occasionally appear peculiar.
He recalled that Miliband faced significant criticism following the release of that particular image.
Fellow presenter Alastair Campbell observed that Stewart subsequently leaned towards Rea and essentially entered her personal space while she attempted to contribute to the conversation.
Nevertheless, Stewart disclosed that Rea subsequently contacted him with a kindly worded message following the broadcast, indicating she harboured no resentment about the occurrence.
Her communication expressed solidarity regarding his sudden internet fame, expressed hope that it had not troubled him, and reassured him that she had not minded the interaction and understood he was simply being polite and attentive.
Stewart observed that his characteristic gestures felt entirely ordinary within the television studio environment yet somehow appeared extraordinarily peculiar when broadcast to viewers.
Stewart, a Balliol College alumnus, attended one of Oxford’s most venerable and politically significant institutions, and has frequently characterised himself as an untraditional undergraduate.
During an interview with The Times, he described his involvement in the college’s unusual customs while studying there, where he was elected to the position of Comrade Tortoise, responsible for the welfare of the college’s pet tortoise.
This appointment reflects Balliol’s established left-leaning heritage.
Balliol, regarded as one of Oxford’s most politically engaged colleges, has educated successive generations of parliamentarians, civil servants, and public intellectuals.
Stewart credits his Oxford education with introducing him to rigorous political and philosophical discourse.
Among his contemporaries was Boris Johnson, who similarly studied at Balliol College.
Despite Johnson being several years his senior, both individuals rose to prominence within the Conservative Party and subsequently became rivals during the 2019 Conservative leadership contest.
Stewart has also discussed his experiences teaching and mentoring younger undergraduates during that period.
Prior to joining the Foreign Office, he held a brief commission with the Black Watch regiment of the British Army.
Stewart’s appearance on Newsnight has further enhanced his standing as a political commentator.