Ed Balls hit out at Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick after he was overheard calling their Good Morning Britain interview “a waste of time” live on air.
Balls and his co-host Susanna Reid spoke to Jenrick on Wednesday about the scandal surrounding Reform leader Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Thailand-based billionaire Christopher Harborne. Jenrick, who appeared via video call, said goodbye to the hosts at the end of the interview and was heard saying on his mic moments later: “That was a waste of time.”
Balls Responds to Jenrick's Remark
There was a pause before Balls clapped back: “I think it wasn’t a waste of time. Robert Jenrick gave us very clear answers on the police investigation; it’s not a waste of time for him to make clear that he believes there’s no police investigation.” He added: “It was good he came on the programme.”
Reid, who appeared nonplussed, said they were “very grateful for his time”. Jenrick later re-shared a clip of the moment on X, blasting Balls’ ties to the government. “We’ve got Ed’s useless mates back in government, people are struggling, and he can’t be bothered to ask how Reform would do things differently,” he posted.
Viewers Divided Over Hot Mic Moment
Jenrick’s hot mic comment on GMB left viewers divided. One wrote: “Bob a job Generic flapping about like a headless chicken when Ed grilled him about the police investigation.” Another asked: “Why did he think it was a waste of time?” Others defended Jenrick, questioning why Balls—whose wife is senior Labour figure Yvette Cooper—was allowed to interview other politicians. “Reid is just as biased,” one added. “Their slant has always been obvious, and it shows in every interview.” Another wrote: “It’s always a waste of time talking to anyone on GMB.”
Background on Farage Gift and Balls Controversies
Farage reportedly received an undeclared £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Harborne shortly before the 2024 general election, triggering a parliamentary investigation by the Commons standards watchdog into whether he breached the MPs' register of interests.
Balls has faced controversy since starting on GMB, previously battling Ofcom backlash for interviewing his wife. The interview prompted 16,000 complaints to Ofcom. ITV defended the interview but said it would not be repeated.
In April, Balls argued with Green Party leader Zack Polanski on the show. Polanski complained about being interviewed by Balls, calling him a “Labour politician” and accusing him of bias. Balls interrupted: “I haven’t been a Labour minister for 20 years. Unfortunately, Mr Polanski, I lost my seat in 2015 and I’ve not been a Labour politician for 10 years.” After the clash, sources claimed ITV faced mounting pressure to distance the show from Balls, something the channel denied.
