Viewers Slam GMB Over Ed Balls Interviewing Wife Yvette Cooper
Good Morning Britain returned on Tuesday and within ten minutes triggered accusations of bias. Presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls announced the day's top stories, including an interview with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper — Ed's wife. This move has previously sparked thousands of Ofcom complaints, and viewers reiterated that Ed, a former Labour politician, should not interview his wife. ITV ignored these pleas, continuing to face claims of impartiality.
Susanna said on the show: "Up next, Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, Ed's wife, of course, is the interview going to be taking place in just a moment." Ed joked: "I'm going to sit that one out," acknowledging past backlash.
Viewers Express Frustration on Social Media
Shortly after, viewers voiced their frustrations. One wrote: "People might think that having the husband of the foreign secretary co-presenting an ITN-produced breakfast television show raises all sorts of questions. Not #GMB though! They think it's something to laugh about." Another tweeted: "@GMB, yet again I ask, how the hell can you undertake a non-biased interview with Yvette Cooper when her blooming husband is sitting next to you?!?"
In 2024, Ed received 8,200 complaints for interviewing Yvette. ITV then released a statement declaring its interviews were "balanced, fair and duly impartial," a notion still disputed by viewers.
Empty Gesture or Loophole?
While Ed did not directly interview his wife on Tuesday, allowing Susanna to take the lead, it felt like an empty gesture or an attempt to find a loophole. The fact that Ed was in the room when his wife was interviewed by his long-time friend and colleague still removed any sense of neutrality.
Susanna Reid Clashes with Kemi Badenoch
During the programme, Susanna also faced criticism after viewers accused her of "shouting" at Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch. The row erupted after Yvette's interview, as Susanna and Kemi interrupted each other over the validity of the Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation.
Susanna pointed out: "You're not even turning up to the by-election which has been called." Kemi fired back: "It's a fake by-election, Susanna!" Susanna raised her voice: "It's a real by-election!" An awkward clash ensued. Viewers criticised Susanna's line of questioning on social media.
One viewer wrote: "Susanna Reid is so desperate to argue that she's resorted to shouting, 'No it's real'. I don't like Kemi but she's right, this isn't a real by-election." Another tweeted: "Totally agree with Kemi. Susanna is coming across so bad here."
GMB's Impartiality Questioned
What is clear from just one episode is that GMB is not ensuring its journalists maintain an unbiased and neutral stance, despite claiming to provide "balanced, fair and duly impartial" interviews. Having a husband (and former Labour MP) interviewing his politician wife is not fair, and allowing a journalist to shout at a politician over contrasting views is not neutral. Something needs to change, and fast.
