Good Morning Britain (GMB) co-host Ed Balls recently recused himself from interviewing his wife, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, following significant viewer complaints regarding impartiality. This decision came after an earlier segment in August 2024, where Balls interviewed Cooper about nationwide riots, leading to over 16,000 complaints to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator.
In the initial interview, viewers expressed concerns over potential bias, given the marital relationship between the interviewer and interviewee. Despite the backlash, Ofcom concluded that the segment was fair and balanced, noting that co-host Kate Garraway conducted most of the interview. However, Ofcom advised ITV to exercise caution in future interviews involving personal relationships to maintain impartiality.
Addressing the controversy, ITV’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, acknowledged the challenges posed by the interview and stated that similar situations would be avoided in the future.
In a subsequent GMB episode, when Yvette Cooper appeared as a guest, Ed Balls chose to step aside to prevent any perception of bias. Co-host Susanna Reid informed viewers of Cooper’s appearance, prompting Balls to excuse himself from the segment. This move was seen as a direct response to the earlier complaints and a commitment to upholding journalistic standards.
Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper, married since 1998, have both held prominent positions in British politics. Their professional and personal relationship has occasionally intersected in the media, raising questions about impartiality. By stepping back from interviewing his wife, Balls and ITV aim to reinforce their dedication to unbiased reporting and address viewer concerns.
