Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid grilled the politician (Image: ITV)
Richard Madeley skewered a Labour politician over the government’s “outrageous” spending on . The ITV breakfast show host, 68, was joined by co-star 54, as they welcomed Pat McFadden to talk about the latest political headlines.
The discussion began with the changes to disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP) before moving on to the use of credit cards. Susanna asked: “What about the redecoration of the media room, to make it look less blue? That was £80,000.”
Pat McFadden appeared on ITV’s GMB (Image: ITV)
Comparing the huge price to what every day costs would be, the host continued: “Our Laura Tobin has just finished repainting the inside of her house, I’m sure she could do it for less than £80,000.” The camera cut to the weather presenter who nodded her head in agreement.
Trying to make light of the situation, Mr McFadden joked: “Get Laura out! She sounds like she could do a good job.” But Richard soon brought the politician back down to earth, reminding him of the seriousness of the situation saying: “£80,000 to make a room less blue. It’s outrageous isn’t it?”
The politician then stuttered his words as he tried to think of something to say before passing the buck to the former Conservative government. He said: “The expenditure of the room was a great deal more, I think, under the last government,” with a smirk on his face.
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Richard Madeley skewered the politician (Image: ITV)
Richard cut in as he said: “No, no, no, no. Don’t play that card! Let’s talk about this expenditure. Nevermind the last government.” He then demanded: “Can you justify £80,000 on de-blueing a room?” Mr McFadden responded: “The room is there for media purposes. It needs some expenditure on it.”
Still not taking the matter seriously, he continued as he quipped: “Maybe we could have got Laura around at a cheaper cost. We will always take care to have value for money.”
But Richard was not done with the grilling as he asked why one government department had spent £1,200 on two folders – at a staggering cost of £600 each. He pointed out: “Could have been bought for £30.”
Mr McFadden replied as he tried to justify the spend, saying: “Well these folders are part of a long term government contract.”