Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley was taken aback by an RMT Union boss' savage takedown.
The 66-year-old broadcaster fronted Tuesday's edition of the ITV news programme alongside Ranvir Singh. The two covered today's industrial action as around 40,000 railway workers have walked out in what is being called the "biggest rail strike in modern history".
The action has been called and voted for by members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Workers Union (RMT), with staff from Network Rail and 13 train firms to walk out. Richard and Ranvir were joined by RMT general secretary Mick Lynch on the programme.
READ MORE: Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley urged to 'check history' after strike claim
Richard opened the interview by quizzing the union boss on whether he is a Marxist. He said: "You’ve been accused several times over the past few weeks of being a Marxist.
"It happened again last night, a backbench Tory MP said you are a 'Marxist with no interest other than trying to tear down the Government.' How, are you, or are you not a Marxist? Because if you are a Marxist, then you’re into revolution and into bringing down capitalism. So, are you or aren’t you?"
The general secretary laughed off the allegation before aiming a brutal jibe at the veteran host. He said: "You do come up with the most remarkable twaddle. I’m not a Marxist, I’m an elected official of the RMT, I’m a working class bloke leading a trade union dispute about jobs, pay and conditions, and service, so it’s got nothing to do with Marxism it’s all about this industrial dispute."
Richard shot back: "I didn't say you're a Marxist I am saying you are being accused of being a Marxist. That's not twaddle, that's called reporting."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and the ITV Hub
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