Tory ministers were invisible on morning TV today despite the devastating price cap announcement that will heap misery on millions - sparking accusations of a "dereliction of duty".
No members of the government appeared on breakfast shows to respond and take questions on the crisis in a further sign that the zombie government is failing to act.
ITV Good Morning host Kate Garraway voiced her disbelief at the astonishing snub as the country looks to ministers for leadership.
She said: "Who we're not hearing from so far this morning is the Government themselves.
"And we would love you to come on and give us some guidance.
"I know there is a leadership election currently there, so there will be issues about who is actually going to be at the helm come the week, 10 days when that decision is made, but we would love to hear from you this morning, because there is a lot of people that want clarity."
Meanwhile Labour's shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, was scathing that the government had ducked out of being interviewed on air on such a painful day for the country.
She accused ministers of being nowhere to be seen on the morning of the Ofgem announcement.
Ms Reeves said people are "worried sick" about the cap rise, which is "striking fear in the hearts of families right across the country".
She told BBC Breakfast: "The fact that no Government minister is available to come on your programme today is just appalling.
"They are not here to give assurances, they are not here to set out what they are going to do.
"That is a dereliction of duty."
It's not the first time ministers have been accused of being absent during the crisis, with both Mr Johnson and Mr Zahawi holidaying earlier this month as bleak forecasts showed how high bills could rise.
Earlier this week, the Government put up schools minister Will Quince to speak about GCSE results, but no ministers were on any of the main broadcasters on Friday morning to speak about the increase in the energy price cap.
The Treasury issued a short statement from Nadhim Zahawi, with the Chancellor expected to speak to broadcasters at some point.
Mr Zahawi, who could be replaced by Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng in days if Liz Truss wins the race for No10, said in the statement: "I know the energy price cap announcement this morning will cause stress and anxiety for many people, but help is coming with £400 off energy bills for all, the second instalment of a £650 payment for vulnerable households, and £300 for all pensioners.
"While (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is driving up energy prices in revenge for our support of Ukraine's brave struggle for freedom, I am working flat out to develop options for further support.
"This will mean the incoming prime minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most, as soon as possible."
Lame duck Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also expected to speak to the media during a visit in Surrey later this morning.
He has repeatedly indicated that major fiscal decisions should be left to his successor, prompting accusations from opponents that the UK currently has a "zombie Government" incapable of taking any decisions.
Ms Truss, who is widely tipped to replace Mr Johnson, was also not on the airwaves on Friday morning.
Instead, a campaign spokesman said: "Today's announcement will cause grave concern to many people across the UK who will be worried about paying their bills.
"As prime minister, Liz would ensure people get the support needed to get through these tough times.
"She will immediately take action to put more money back in people's pockets by cutting taxes and suspending green energy tariffs."
