'I was a panellist on BBC Question Time - fans gave harsh ratings but I came out on top'

One former Question Time panellist has spoken out about their experience on the BBC talk show and the aftermath they faced from it, including harsh ratings from viewers. Rory Stewart was on the Fiona Bruce-hosted programme back in February, as it was filmed in Middlesbrough.

He was joined by Lord Hattersley, Lynne Featherstone MP, Ruth Lea and Tom Conti as they discussed a variety of different moral issues. Reflecting on the topics after the show aired, Mr Stewart wrote in his personal blog: "In particular, in the pre-screened segment, hunting and then later, Gordon Brown's Morgan interview, press freedom and euthanasia. Curiously I found myself allied with Hattersley on Brown, press freedom and euthanasia (but not on economics). I found the Archbishop of Canterbury's statement at the General Synod helpful."

Former Tory councillor Tim Dodds also shared a blog post about the episode, analysing it in full. He said: "The reactions and comments from the audience were hostile to Labour, and weren't even leavened with an overall disappointment and dislike in all politicians. There was no good news for Labour here."

He went on to say that the audience was "generally seething about the closure of the local Corus steel works" and the panel's analysis was "superficial."

However, he applauded Mr Stewart for his views, saying: "The point made by Rory Stewart was telling, and may have lasting traction locally, and that was that Labour have come to this issue far too late. Too late to make a difference."

The show also touched on Afghanistan, as Mr Dodds claimed that Mr Stewart delivered a "powerful" analysis, showing "a ferocious intellect."

Mr Dodds then went on to deliver his "cruel" ratings of the panellists, with Mr Stewart coming out on top as a "star performer".

The Tory member wrote: "Individual scores. Cruel, yes. But nothing wrong in that.

"Tom Conti: better than expected - 6, Ruth Lea, tried to tough it out over no state support - 5, Rory Stewart, unquestionably a star performer - 9, Roy Hattersley, an old-Labour dinosaur - 7, Lynne Featherstone, unusually for a LibDem, didn't offend - 6."