Richard Madeley asserted his authority while appearing on Good Morning Britain. The presenter was back at the helm of the ITV news programme on Wednesday (August 10) alongside Charlotte Hawkins.
Among the topics being covered on the show as well as the latest breaking news headlines, the hosting pair chaired a debate about water bills, hosepipe bans and the plan for Thames Water to bring in a ban imminently to cope with a lack of water across the counties.
Charlotte and Richard welcomed environmental activist Angela Jones and businesswoman Tina Knight onto the programme to give their views on the hosepipe ban.
While Tina argued that "you're paying for a service that they're supposed to provide" so you should get a refund for a hosepipe ban being put in place, Angela argued that 'we need to respect water' as customers but water companies also need to invest in infrastructure to improve the services.
Charlotte and Richard soon wrapped up the interesting debate and as the cameras returned to focus on the pair, Richard started his link to let viewers know what would be coming up on the show later.
However, he paused his speech to scold someone off camera, seemingly referring to Tina and Angela who they had just been talking to. Stopping mid-sentence, he turned to Angela and Tina and said: "Sorry, can I ask you not to talk," Richard, 66, turned to say while holding his hand in to air to mimic what he was saying.
He then added: "Sorry. Thank you," before the show soon crossed over to chat to Tory MP James Cleverly about the government's lack of support for those struggling in the cost of living crisis.
The Education Secretary was immediately grilled on the support package available as the government has been urged to take drastic action after it was forecasted that average household energy bills are expected to hit £4,266 from January. Charlotte argued that the help on offer is no longer sufficient as it does not take into consideration the latest forecasts.
‘"hat help that you’ve promised is simply not enough, is it?’ Charlotte asked to which Mr Cleverly replied: "We’ve already put a support package in place. And Liz [Truss] has said she will bring forward an emergency budget to address whatever else."
But things soon got a bit heated as Richard was heard shouting that the politician hadn’t answered the question. "I’m saying that in response to those changing figures, Liz Truss is committed to moving forward an emergency budget," Mr Cleverly continued to say while Richard pointed out that this wasn’t taking place until September.
"You’re sliding off the point," the 66-year-old commented with the MP hitting back: "I’m not sliding off the point, I’m not able to get to the point, Richard, because you keep interrupting." But the presenter doubled down and replied: "Oh, that’s not fair."
Mr Cleverly, however, wouldn't let it go and responded: "No, we can rewatch the tape and we can see which of us has done the most talking in this interview." Richard also wasn't willing to give up the fight. "I have to hold you to an answer, and if you’re not answering the question, you will be interrupted," he argued back.
And GMB viewers were impressed by Richard and Charlotte's attempt to quiz the MP. @Warzoid tweeted: "Credit where it's due: Charlotte Hawkins & Richard Madeley have just stuck it to James Cleverly on the energy/cost of living crisis/total absence of govt. Bravo @CharlotteHawkns @richardm56."
@NanaRavers said: "Nothing but praise for Martin Lewis but for once Richard Madeley + Charlotte Hawkins need a plaudit for taking James Cleverly to pieces." But @ImIncorrigible commented: "Richard Madeley giving James Cleverly a spanking on #GMB feels a bit weird, tbh."
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