Coughing, heckling and interruptions from a prankster.

Theresa May's speech to reassert her Conservative Party leadership, has turned into something of a disaster.

A stunt-man bounded on to the stage and handed her a P45, a form when you stop working for a company, before the Prime Minister had a coughing fit and a slogan behind her fell to the ground.

Theresa May did manage to come back with a quip after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond offered her a lozenge.

"I hope you notice that ladies and gentlemen, the Chancellor giving something away for free."

UK correspondent Rod Liddle said the incident has drummed up public sympathy for Mrs May.

But he told Larry Williams the writing appears to be on the wall for her Government.

"This government is on the ropes. This is really a desperate speech, again not entirely her fault."

LISTEN ABOVE AS ROD LIDDLE SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS