Former Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jonathan Ashworth appeared on ITV’s flagship breakfast show discussing the morning’s news.

Good Morning Britain viewers were irate to discover Jonathan Ashworth would be discussing the news on the ITV show alongside regular panellist Andrew Pierce.

The former Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions discussed topics including the reports councils are to be given the power to cheaply buy up green belt land in order to build more houses.

Viewers took to X to vent with some saying they were switching off.

@thisoneofmany asked: “@GMB Why the f*** is Jonathan Ashworth permanently stuck on our screens now that he’s not an MP anymore? Get this wasteman off the  TV.”

@JohnDoe29248490 ooined: “@GMB Ashworth, an odious, narcissistic, little man, whose only talent is to chant topical mantras as he hasn’t the intelligence to think for himself.”

@paulralph03 wrote: “@SaulStaniforth Ashworth & Madeley, two good reasons NOT to watch GMB. Oh, and Balls, three good reasons!!!”

@Hazzreid was equally annoyed with the line up. “Impossible to watch @GMB today 4 ghouls. Garraway, Ashworth, Madeley, Tory boy.” @socialistnan123 chimed in: “@Hazzreid @GMB Agree. Can’t watch.”

One of the topics he discussed on the show was a report in The Times which claimed councils are to be given the power to cheaply buy up green belt land in order to build more houses.

When presenter Kate Garraway pointed out those who own the land may not get the money they need for it and it would make people cross he jumped in.

“Not half as cross as all the young people who can’t get on the housing ladder at the moment. The dream of home ownership has been knocked away for so many young people,” he argued.

“But the Labour party told us there were plenty of brown site and grey sites, this new thing of disused buildings,” Kate clapped back.

“And that the areas around towns which had already been identified for the building have already had a lot of their green places [taken] away without the public faciities to cope. [They] are going to fee like this is a betrayal,” she said.

Jonathan disagreed. “No I don’t think so because we’ve got to build houses for our young people. I want a property owning democracy,” he said.

“That’s what we used to talk about years ago and that has been ripped away in recent years in this country. I want young people to be able to get on the housing ladder.

People dream about owning their own home. I want young people to be able to get a mortgage or to be able to get a council house if they decide a mortgagte isn’t for them and get on the housing ladder. So we’ve got to build homes for people,” he reiterated.

Jonathan Ashworth made an appearance on Good Morning Britain to discuss the recent news, sparking outrage among viewers. Many took to social media to express their frustration with his presence on the show, with some even stating they would be changing the channel.

Despite the backlash, Ashworth delved into topics such as councils being granted the ability to purchase green belt land at a reduced cost in order to construct more housing units.

When questioned about the potential consequences of this decision, Ashworth defended the initiative by emphasizing the importance of providing affordable housing options for young people.

He highlighted the struggles that many individuals face in attaining homeownership and stressed the need for accessible mortgage options or council housing solutions.

Ashworth’s impassioned plea for a “property-owning democracy” resonated with some audience members, while others remained skeptical about the long-term implications of such policies.

As the discussion unfolded, tensions rose between Ashworth and the hosts, particularly regarding the impact of urban development on green spaces and public amenities.

However, Ashworth remained steadfast in his belief that prioritizing housing construction was paramount in addressing the housing crisis.

He emphasized the necessity of balancing environmental concerns with the fundamental right to secure housing for all individuals, especially the younger generation.

Despite the mixed reactions from viewers and pundits alike, Ashworth’s strong advocacy for affordable housing solutions sparked a necessary dialogue about the complexities of urban planning and housing policy.

While some may critique his approach, Ashworth’s dedication to advocating for accessible homeownership opportunities remains a crucial focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding housing affordability in the UK.
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