Awkward moment Reform UK MP’s private comment slating GMB is heard by everyone

| Deputy TV editor Published July 22, 2026 11:36am Updated July 22, 2026 11:55am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Reform UK was left embarassed this morning when one of their MPs was caught criticising Good Morning Britain. On the morning of July 22, Robert Jenrick appeared on the popular ITV show to discuss the ongoing furore around Nigel Farage’s alleged £5million gift from Thai-based billionaire Christopher Harborne. Jenrick clearly didn’t think the interview went very well, as after saying goodbye to the hosts he could be heard saying: ‘That was a waste of time.’ Ed Balls then jumped in to defend the interview (and his show), claiming: ‘I think it wasn’t a waste of time. ‘Robert Jenrick gave us very clear answers on the police investigation; it’s not a waste of time for him to make clear that he believes there’s no police investigation. It was good he came on the programme. ‘This was followed by his co-host, Susanna Reid, saying they were ‘very grateful for his time.’ Mr Jenrick clearly wasn’t pleased with how the interview went (Picture: ITV) Grateful or not, that didn’t stop ITV viewers sharing their thoughts about Jenrick’s hot mic moment, and the audience was split. Eager critics like ‘@Observe111 wrote: ‘Bob a job Generic flapping about like a headless chicken when Ed grilled him about the police investigation.’@Narindertweets meanwhile was confused about the situation, asking ‘why did he think it was a waste of time?’ Ed and Susanna were left slightly bewildered by the situation (Picture: ITV) Balls also bore some of the criticism, with @anne_sinde16483 asking why the former Labour MP, whose wife is a senior Labour figure, was allowed to interview other politicians. ‘Reid is just as biased,’ she continued. ‘Their slant has always been obvious, and it shows in every interview.’ ‘It’s always a waste of time talking to anyone on GMB,’ agreed another user. On X, Jenrick claimed he wanted to talk about how Reform would operate as a government (Picture: Thomas Krych / Story Picture Agency) Clearly bothered by the clip, Jenrick later retweeted it along with the claim that: ‘We’ve got Ed’s useless mates back in government, people are struggling, and he can’t be bothered to ask how Reform would do things differently.’ GMB has since removed the hot mic clip from X. Yes, we’ve got Ed’s useless mates back in government, people are struggling, and he can’t be bothered to ask how Reform would do things differently.For the record: Reform will cut your energy bills by £200 by cutting VAT *and* by removing green levies. https://t.co/vDMephWeuP— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) July 22, 2026 Jenrick has found himself under increased scrutiny in recent days. The former Conservative politician is being investigated by the Met Police over donations connected to his Tory leadership bid. The former shadow cabinet member said ‘the allegations are entirely false’. ‘I have had no contact with the Met Police whatsoever in connection with this matter,’ reports the BBC. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Metro has contacted ITV and Mr Jenrick for comment. Arrow MORE: Sky and ITV address ‘worrying’ claims that Emmerdale could be axed Arrow MORE: Ann Widdecombe murder suspect’s relative ‘questioned if Farage would be attacked’ Arrow MORE: ITV’s The Voice forced to apologise after ‘upsetting’ email to independent bakery TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.