Jamie Oliver has hit out at the government for failing to deliver prompt reforms on school dinners and making “the same bloody excuse” for delays.

His comments were made backstage at the Bafta ceremony on Sunday where he won the Richard Dimbleby Award for Outstanding Presenter of a Factual Programme and Best Factual Series for Jamie’s School Dinners.

Oliver was reported to have said: “People keep saying I’m a political figure but I’m not. I’m good at what I do which is food.

“When you realise what’s happening from a government point of view, that’s why I did it- because I was angry.

“But you know what? Since we started the show two years ago I’m on my third education secretary.

“Last time I met Charles Clarke he was moved on the very next day. Ruth Kelly was next and I had just lined up another meeting with her when she was replaced. And there is always the same bloody excuse - “I’ve just started”. It makes it hard.”

Oliver’s remarks on Sunday night came two days after the latest government reshuffle saw Kelly replaced by Alan Johnson.

The government has promised an extra £280 million for school dinners, says Oliver. He intends to make sure that the money is sufficient and that it is well spent.

The timetable for school dinner reforms will continue under Mr Johnson, said a spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). He said: “We are delivering on our promise to transform school meals and undo decades of neglect.

“This year, we have paid £60 million to schools and LEAs to help deliver healthier meals.

“New minimum standards for school lunches will be introduced by September, which bans low-quality foods high in fat, salt and sugar.”