Ed Balls on GMB (Image: ITV)
descended into chaos this morning as the hosts discussed the grooming scandal. Hosts Ed Balls and welcomed on regular guests Andrew Pierce and Kevin Maguire as they all began to shout over each other to get their voices heard.
It comes after argued against holding a full national inquiry into the grooming scandal. Susanna explained that they had previously spoken to Maggie Oliver – who helped to blow the whistle on the scandal.
The host said: “She said ‘I am no far-right activist. I am a woman who gave 16 years of my life to the police and protecting children was the number one priority in my life.
“‘All the victims that I know and that we support have had their lives destroyed. To write them off as far-right extremists is insulting.'”
With that, the other presenters wanted to have their voices heard. Ed cut in as he said: ” did not write them off,” with Kevin instantly talking over him.
Ed Balls and Andrew Pierce were at loggerheads (Image: ITV)
Andrew added his own thoughts as he said: “What the Prime Minister said yesterday is going to feed the idea that the cover up is continuing.” Ed hit back as he asked: “In what way is the cover up continuing?”
The host continued to quiz Andrew, repeatedly asking similar questions before the guest snapped back: “Hang on! Look, can I answer the question?”
But as he tried to continue speaking, Ed repeatedly talked over him and tried to put words into his mouth. He said: “So you’re saying unless you are in favour of a new public inquiry, you are complicit in the cover up?”
Andrew snapped back saying: “No I didn’t say that,” as the men carried on yelling over each other as they couldn’t come to an agreement.
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Eventually Susanna interrupted as she said that they were “stuck” in the argument, as she tried to ease the tension. She pointed out that if she were one of the victims she would be asking who is taking them seriously.
Meanwhile, on social media, Ed Balls was criticised for being too biased. One user on X/Twitter posted: “Ed Balls cannot be allowed to continue presenting GMB. His behaviour this morning is beyond belief.
“He is Labour through to his bones and is literally sleeping with the Home Secretary. Surely this can’t be right and must be stopped immediately.”
Another added: ” How can it be a fair debate with @edballs?” While a third said: “GMB seem to be another Labour mouthpiece. Its hardly surprising with Balls as the presenter.”