A TOWIE star took on the Prime Minister by condemning her “Cabinet clique” on a late-night political talk show.

Woodford Green-based star of The Only Way Is Essex Lydia Bright rose to fame when she first appeared on the reality show in 2010.

But after a shock departure this week, the 27-year-old turned her manicured hand to politics with an appearance on Andrew Neil’s BBC programme This Week last night (June 1).

Discussing cliques with Mr Neil and fellow guests Michael Gove and Ed Balls, Miss Bright said she thinks all the UK parties are guilty of them.

She said: “It can be positive because all leaders need advisers to help them with their decision making. But if the clique is too small you can isolate yourself and the decision making can be too narrow.”

She went on to criticise what she believes to be the Prime Minister’s executive-style leadership.

She added: “I think the bigger the clique the better.

“Like with Theresa May for example, if you integrate the cabinet more with decision making then you’re going to make a more rounded decision taking on the viewpoints of more people.”

Mr Neil pointed out to ex-Minister Mr Gove that Mrs May’s Conservative manifesto has been seen by some as too exclusive.

He argued that the manifesto “has contributions from particular members of the Cabinet”.

But he admitted he was not privy to all manifesto decisions under David Cameron's top team in 2015.

He said: “I remember reading the manifesto on the bus on the way to Swindon and some of it was familiar and other bits looking at it going ‘oh that looks like a good idea.”

Former Labour shadow cabinet member Ed Balls added: “The danger at Number 10 is the people around Theresa May are defining themselves against people they see as on the other side of the Tory party.

“Philip Hammond looks like he has been pushed outside the clique.

“But as Prime Minister you have to involve people, because then it becomes cliquey and excluding, and that can be dangerous.”

Miss Bright had a final bit of advice for Mrs May, saying: “I think it’s really important to have support around you, so people can advise you.

“You cannot be subjected to too specific a clique because then your views will always be narrow.”

Viewers took to social media to praise her insight, while others questioned what the TOWIE star had to do with politics.