Good Morning Britain co-host Ed Balls has rejected accusations of political bias following heated on-air clashes with two politicians during recent live broadcasts on ITV.
The controversies escalated after Reform MP Robert Jenrick was caught on an unmuted microphone describing his interview on the morning show as a waste of time.
Jenrick made the remark immediately after ending a video interview where he was questioned regarding an ongoing police investigation.
Responding to the off-camera comment on air, Balls defended the broadcast segment.
"I think it wasn't a waste of time," said Balls.
He elaborated that the interview provided necessary public clarity on the legal matter.
"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," Balls said.
Balls concluded his response by reaffirming the value of the exchange.
"It was good he came on the programme," he said.
Co-presenter Susanna Reid addressed the audience to express appreciation for the MP's appearance before Jenrick took to social media platform X to criticize Balls' political affiliations.
"We're very grateful for his time," Reid said.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski also challenged Balls during a separate interview, openly pointing out his marriage to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and questioning his objectivity.
"Do you know what I'm enjoying?
The fact that a Labour politician who's married to a senior Labour minister is allowed to ask questions of a leader of a Green Party," Polanski said.
Balls directly pushed back against the characterization of his current political status during the heated exchange.
"Are you accusing me of being a Labour politician?" Balls asked.
Polanski clarified his statement while accusing Balls of employing shock-jock interrogation tactics.
"I'm accusing you... Well, it's not even an accusation.
We are planning to replace the Labour Party and take the fight to Reform, but what you're asking me right now..."
Polanski said.
Balls interrupted to clarify his electoral history and current standing.
"You said I was a Labour politician. Did you mean that or not?"
Balls asked.
He maintained that he had long left active political office.
"I haven't been a Labour minister for 20 years.
Unfortunately, Mr Polanski, I lost my seat in 2015 and I've not been a Labour politician for 10 years," Balls said.
The broadcast disputes follow a previous incident drawing 16,000 Ofcom complaints when Balls interviewed his wife on air, leading network executives to confirm that specific segment would not be repeated.
