Richard Madeley came under fire from Good Morning Britain viewers after his outburst on today's show.
The 66-year-old broadcaster fronted Wednesday's edition of the ITV news programme alongside Charlotte Hawkins. The two interviewed Shadow Secretary, Ian Murray, over "beergate".
Sir Keir Starmer insists the gathering in Durham was a work event and pledged he would resign if he is found to have broken the rules during a gathering in Durham on April 30 last year. Durham police launched an investigation last month and the Labour leader has now received police questionnaires as part of the inquiry.
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Deputy Angela Rayner has also received a police questionnaire - and Richard questioned Mr Murray on who would become the Labour leader if the two stepped down. However, the broadcaster was furious when the MP said the party is currently not considering Sir Keir's replacement as they maintain the stance that no rules have been broken.
Richard added: "The viewers at home can hear me ask a question and they can hear you give an answer to a question I haven't asked. It's just politeness. I'll ask you you politely one more time. If Sir Keir Starmer does step down, and it's a possibility, because he gets a fine.
"Who do you think might take over? If you don't want to answer, then say you don't want to, but don't give me an answer to a question I haven't asked because that's just rude."
Mr Murray shot back: "I think it's also rude to interrupt when I'm trying to answer the question." Richard clarified he was frustrated by the "new trend" of ministers avoiding the question.
However, viewers following the show on Twitter were outraged after the 'beergate' grilling.
Neil said: "Richard Madeley attacked a Labour MP, trying to answer his question but he just keeps shouting over him accusing him of not answering the question.
@ginandtoxicuk added: "Answered your question and you decided to start insulting #richardmadeley #gmb he really got angry and then because the politician actually answered the question @GMB @richardm56 decided to insult all politicians by saying they never answer questions."
Kathy commented : "Ask a question … talk/shout over the response … then accuse them of not answering the question …"
@CornishBuoy messaged: "I suggest all those who found @richardm56 rude and insulting towards Ian Murray live on TV this morning register a complaint and consider boycotting GMB whilst Madeley continues to broadcast."
Ken posted: "MADELEY chose to take his frustration out at ALL politicians (esp. Govt.) on one unknown obscure opposition *MP..... while giving Cabinet Ministers a free pass #gmb @GMB (*His eventual answer was sensible & satisfactory)"
Sara said "Please get rid of Richard Madeley. Such a rude man and ruins #gmb. That MP couldn’t answer. Wasn’t given a chance."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV Hub
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