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 continued to make headlines this week as he discussed the pressing issue of council’s ability to purchase green belt land for housing development on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
The former Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions faced backlash from viewers who expressed frustration over his appearance on the show.
Despite the criticism, Ashworth remained steadfast in his belief that building more houses is essential to providing young people with affordable housing options.
In response to concerns raised about the potential impact on land owners, Ashworth emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of young people struggling to enter the housing market.
He highlighted the declining rate of home ownership among the younger generation and stressed the significance of creating a property-owning democracy where individuals have the opportunity to secure their own homes.
While some viewers criticized Ashworth for his stance on green belt land development, others applauded his dedication to addressing the housing crisis.
His advocacy for affordable housing solutions resonated with those who have faced challenges in accessing suitable accommodation.
As the debate around housing policy continues to evolve, Ashworth’s commitment to advocating for the needs of young people remains a key focal point in discussions about housing affordability and accessibility.
Overall, Ashworth’s appearance on Good Morning Britain sparked a conversation about the urgent need for innovative approaches to housing development and affordability.
By engaging in constructive dialogue about the housing crisis, Ashworth demonstrated his commitment to creating positive change and ensuring that future generations have access to secure and affordable housing options.