
Transport secretary Chris Grayling has been a minister since 2010 and in that time has developed a bit of a reputation for his frequent mishaps.
After the Gatwick drones debacle, overseeing rail fare hikes and awarding a no-deal Brexit ferry contract to a company with no ferries, the MP for Epsom and Ewell has earned the nickname “Failing Grayling”.
But in an interview with The House magazine, Grayling said he is singled out for criticism because of his pro-Brexit views and described himself as a "lightning rod for the anti-Brexit brigade".
Asked why he thinks he has comes under fire during his time as transport secretary, he told the magazine:
Every politician gets flak from time to time; you just have to take it on the chin and get on with the job.
He added:
I’ve also made some big calls – like the expansion of Heathrow, the right thing to for the country but politically difficult and unpopular with some vested interests.
And that’s similar with some people who want to have a go because I’m pro-Brexit.
A lot of people out there want to frustrate the democratic will of the British people who voted to leave the EU and because I’m a prominent Brexiteer in the Cabinet who backs the Prime Minister’s deal I’m a lightning rod for the anti-Brexit brigade.
Unsurprisingly, people on Twitter weren't exactly convinced by Grayling's explanation for why he attracts so much criticism.
@sebwhale Literally nobody calls Grayling out because he's a Brexiter. We do it because he IS USELESS.— Mike Holden 💙 (@Mike Holden 💙) 1548968873
Chris Grayling tells @sebwhale that the reason he gets criticised is because he's "a prominent Brexiteer in the Cab… https://t.co/HscrKlN3gz— Kevin Schofield (@Kevin Schofield) 1548968978
Chris Grayling calling himself a “lightening rod” in any context is laughable. He’s singled out for criticism becau… https://t.co/XE4sXhfJ0l— Peter Stefanovic (@Peter Stefanovic) 1548970350
Lightning never strikes twice, unlike the rail workers let down again and again by your woeful leadership. https://t.co/P7OinTk5rb— David Lammy (@David Lammy) 1549009479
Long before Brexit, Chris Grayling was singled out as the worst Lord Chancellor of all time. https://t.co/ecR9D6t0vp— davidallengreen (@davidallengreen) 1548970544
Whenever I'm crammed like a sardine into a delayed train, I think, 'Chris Grayling is a splendid fellow. An inspira… https://t.co/dRVg58ouVn— Greg Wright (@Greg Wright) 1548969826
Many said he was the exact opposite of a 'lightning rod'.
@sebwhale 😂😂 lightning rod? That suggests something ‘bright’and that’s so wide of the mark as to be a chasm!! None… https://t.co/c2JEd0nBPo— Lesley Knibb 💙 (@Lesley Knibb 💙) 1548975833
Based on his track record - if Chris Grayling actually WAS a lightning rod - he’d be made of wood https://t.co/uKbRqEKl4c— Banquo’s Ghostwriter (@Banquo’s Ghostwriter) 1548973474
Looks like “Failing Grayling” isn’t going to shake off his nickname any time soon.
@sebwhale And the proof is in his universal nickname: Brexiting Grayling. Oh 🤔— Rick 🤩 Glanvill (@Rick 🤩 Glanvill) 1548978655