Nadine Dorries has branded Paddy Power 'woke' after reportedly dumping Boris Johnson from their planned Euro 2024 campaign following backlash from staff.
Paddy Power has made a name for itself in the UK gambling scene with its commercials.
Most prove popular with sports fans all over the country with the Irish bookmaker hiring famous footballers and other sports stars for their campaigns.
But they've also been accused of overstepping the mark in the past with one advert showing a visually-impaired footballer kicking a cat.
Boris Johnson was set to feature in Paddy Power's Euro 2024 commercials
PA
Ahead of this summer's Euros, Paddy Power are once again expected to embark on another big campaign.
It was reported earlier this month that former Prime Minister Johnson had signed a 'big money deal' with the high street bookie to front their ad campaign for the Euros.
It was claimed that Johnson was set to make a cameo role in an advert ahead of the tournament, which starts next month.
However, Johnson's hiring reportedly caused a stir among Paddy Power's staff.
According to the Telegraph, Johnson was set to put on an England top and say to the camera, “I told you I would get us back in Europe”.
The Brexit reference is said to have angered staff with the Dublin-based bookmaker who were said to have felt 'uncomfortable promoting a figure as divisive as Mr Johnson'.
But the reported decision to cancel the planned advert with Johnson has been slammed as 'ludicrous' by Former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Dorries.
She told GB News: "Paddy Power staff need to remember who pays them, the punters who bet and many of them are solid Johnson supporters.
Former Cabinet Minister Nadine Dorries has condemned Paddy Power's decision
GETTY
"They need to focus on doing their jobs well and less on politics and ludicrous woke protests."
Paddy Power did not comment when contacted by GB News about Johnson's involvement in their Euro 2024 campaign.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Paddy Power are renowned for its edgy commercials
GETTY
Paddy Power’s parent company, the U.S.-headquartered Flutter Entertainment, confirmed to the New York Times that there were plans for Johnson to appear in a commercial.
“We have been speaking to Boris Johnson’s team about a number of opportunities, one of which was an idea for a cameo role in a TV advert,” they said.
“We remain hopeful of working together in the near future."
