Reform UK was left red-faced this morning when one of their MPs was caught criticising Good Morning Britain.
On the morning of July 22, Robert Jenrick appeared on the popular ITV show to discuss the ongoing furore around Nigel Farage's alleged £5 million gift from Thai-based billionaire Christopher Harborne. Jenrick clearly didn't think the interview went very well, as after saying goodbye to the hosts he could be heard saying: 'That was a waste of time.'
Ed Balls defends the interview
Ed Balls then jumped in to defend the interview (and his show), claiming: '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. It was good he came on the programme.'
This was followed by his co-host, Susanna Reid, saying they were 'very grateful for his time.'
Viewers react to the hot mic moment
Grateful or not, that didn't stop ITV viewers sharing their thoughts about Jenrick's hot mic moment, and the audience was split. Eager critics like @Observe111 wrote: 'Bob a job Generic flapping about like a headless chicken when Ed grilled him about the police investigation.'
@Narindertweets meanwhile was confused about the situation, asking 'why did he think it was a waste of time?' Balls also bore some of the criticism, with @anne_sinde16483 asking why the former Labour MP, whose wife is a senior Labour figure, was allowed to interview other politicians. 'Reid is just as biased,' she continued. 'Their slant has always been obvious, and it shows in every interview.'
'It's always a waste of time talking to anyone on GMB,' agreed another user.
Jenrick responds on social media
Clearly bothered by the clip, Jenrick later retweeted it along with the claim that: '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.' GMB has since removed the hot mic clip from X.
Jenrick has found himself under increased scrutiny in recent days. The former Conservative politician is being investigated by the Met Police over donations connected to his Tory leadership bid. The former shadow cabinet member said 'the allegations are entirely false'. 'I have had no contact with the Met Police whatsoever in connection with this matter,' reports the BBC.
Metro has contacted ITV and Mr Jenrick for comment.
