Good Morning Britain fans hit presenter Ed Balls with backlash while watching the ITV show this morning (September 30). The normally outspoken host stayed uncharacteristically quiet today as his co-host, Susanna Reid, and guests discussed the latest moves from the Labour party.
The topic of the Winter Fuel Allowance came up and how the current government are planning to scrap it, meaning that thousands of pensioners will be impacted.
But Ed, who is married to Labour's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, stayed somewhat quiet on the matter - which didn't go amiss with fans at home.
Taking to Twitter, the viewers pointed out that the ITV presenter had remained tight-lipped. One user wrote: "What’s the point in Ed Balls? They’ve just discussed the WFA. He sat there without saying a word, all the other three are against it. He says nothing. He should not be on remaining silent isn’t his job. #mryvettecooper."
Another added: "How Ed Balls can sit there smug whilst his wife screws pensioners is beyond me. I don't know how he's on there, full stop."
"@edballs @susannareid100 Ed Balls in mute mode when discussing Winter Payments. Hardly surprising as his missus voted to rob Pensioners. Awkward viewing," a third complained. While another added: "@GMB A very quiet Ed Balls."
Other fans vowed to switch off, as one said: "Just turned on GMB .. how you can have ED Balls as a presenter is laughable ! he is married to a Labour cabinet member .. he is Labour through / through - so no bias there !! I just turned off."
One furious viewer chimed in: "Thanks for the update Re Ed Balls, won't be watching in case you get his sicko wife on. Hardly PC is it?"
The move by Labour, which was branded "cruel" by Rosie Duffield, will see pensioners lose their winter fuel payment unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced stiff criticism for the plan from within her own party, as well as from opposition voices in response to the move. As it stands, around 10.8 million people receive winter fuel payments. However, under the new plans, only 1.5 million will receive the support.
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Elsewhere on GMB, Kate Garraway recently took a cheeky swipe at her former co-star, Ben Shephard. They ended their partnership on Good Morning Britain earlier this year, when he left to host This Morning with Cat Deeley.
During a segment discussing a 'cat crisis' due to increasing pet abandonment, Kate expressed her fondness for kittens at an RSPCA centre. Adil suggested she adopt some, proposing she name them after her GMB colleagues.
"I'm going with Sean, that's it, sorted," Kate responded, glancing at news presenter Sean Fletcher. As Adil continued listing names, including Ben's, Kate quickly retorted, "Not Ben," waving her arms.
"He's out now, he's out! " Adil then suggested, "Get a tortoise, call him Ben and leave him outside."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX
