Education Secretary Lucy Powell faced tough questions on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain over her role in arranging a meeting between Ed Miliband and Russell Brand, days after the comedian was sentenced for rape and sexual assault.
Ed Balls and Susanna Reid pressed Powell about the meeting, which took place ahead of the 2015 General Election. The discussion followed Brand's sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, where he received a prison term of 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assault.
Chief of Staff role under scrutiny
Balls pointed to Miliband's public regret over meeting Brand, noting that Powell, as his Chief of Staff at the time, had facilitated the encounter.
"You, as his Chief of Staff, were the person who facilitated that meeting. It was criticised at the time," Balls told Powell. "Russell Brand had already been sacked by the BBC for his radio show because of the way in which he talked about women. In retrospect how do you feel about the role you played in that meeting?"
Sentencing and aftermath
Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault following his hearing at Southwark Crown Court yesterday.
The exchange on Good Morning Britain drew strong reactions from viewers, with some taking aim at the Labour minister over her involvement in the meeting.
