Good Morning Britain has faced backlash from viewers as Ed Balls interviewed Home Secretary Yvette Cooper with some claiming it was “biased” as Yvette is also his wife.
The Labour MP was welcomed onto the show by Ed Balls and Kate Garraway to discuss the recent riots that have escalated over the past week after the stabbing of three girls in Southport.
Balls referred to their marriage prior to the discussion, telling his co-host: “I have not really seen her at all in the last week. When these events happen, and if you’re the Prime Minister or Home Secretary, it becomes 24 hours a day seven days a week, so it’s tough.”
Speaking to Ed and Kate, Yvette said: “What we have seen on the streets in some cities and towns over the weekend is criminal violence and thuggery. That is what it is and that’s why it needs the full force of the law behind it. We’ve made it clear to the police that they have our full backing in order to go ahead with the full range of prosecution against those responsible and we expect to see swift justice.”
Balls then asked if those criticising “two-tier policing” have a point, to which Cooper answered – unchallenged – that the police have the government’s full backing and that some people use other demonstrations such as the BLM marches as an “excuse” for criminal activities.
Viewers at home were divided over the interview with some claiming it was “ridiculous” that Balls would be interviewing his wife and there was a lack of impartiality.
One viewer said: “@GMB how can you seriously have Ed Balls on as a presenter, talking about “Home secretary Yvette Cooper,” as if she WASN’T his wife??? Ridiculous! #GMB.”
A second hit out: “I’ve heard Balls is making a disgrace of himself again on @GMB …. Given a platform to speak whilst being the husband of the pathetic @YvetteCooperMP … well done again @ITV! @edballs #UKRiots #thefarleft #gmb @Ofcom #RecallParliament.”
Another added: “#gmb although I think @edballs is brilliant on @GMB is it right that he is interviewing his wife @YvetteCooperMP I’m sure it will be fine. Just saying.”
With that in mind, can Ed Balls ever scrutinise his Home Secretary wife in a balanced way? Have your say and vote above now.