Ed Balls Exits Good Morning Britain as Wife Yvette Cooper Joins for Interview Amid Past Ofcom Complaints
Ed Balls made a swift exit from the Good Morning Britain studio on Monday, November 4, as his wife, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, appeared on the show for an interview. Balls, who co-hosts with Susanna Reid, stepped aside as Reid took over questioning Cooper, stating he would “sit this one out” due to their relationship. “We’re joined by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper,” Reid announced, with Balls adding, “As you know, she is my wife, so I’m going to sit this one out.”
This comes after a previous controversy in August when Balls interviewed Cooper on the same program, sparking over 16,000 Ofcom complaints. At the time, viewers questioned the impartiality of the segment, despite Good Morning Britain clarifying their relationship multiple times and co-presenter Kate Garraway leading much of the questioning. Although Ofcom acknowledged the complaints, the watchdog ultimately decided not to investigate further, noting that the program provided balanced perspectives.
ITV CEO Dame Carolyn McCall addressed the issue, confirming that ITV would avoid repeating such scenarios. “It was a very, very tricky morning, there was a national emergency almost being called, and so we got very short notice that the home secretary was coming on the show,” McCall stated. She added that the interview was “fair and impartial,” but confirmed, “Would we do it again? No”, according to the Sky News.
The incident has reignited social media discussions, with some viewers commenting on Balls’ decision to sit out the interview. One viewer on X wrote, “Ed Balls is not interviewing his wife Yvette Cooper! We see you ITV avoiding being accused of conflict of interest!” Another added, “How come Ed Balls isn’t asking the Home Secretary any questions? Oh yeah.”
Though no longer active in politics, Balls previously served as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and later as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. He and Cooper have been married since 1998 and share three children: Ellie, Joe, and Maddy.
Balls’ temporary departure allowed Reid to lead the conversation with Cooper without potential bias concerns. Meanwhile, political analysts Andrew Pierce and Kevin Maguire joined Reid to discuss key issues following Cooper’s segment. The proactive move by Good Morning Britain aims to address viewer concerns and maintain impartiality in the wake of previous complaints.