'You're 19 points behind!' BBC hosts SLAPS DOWN Labour MP over party's poor poll ratings
A RANTING Labour MP was ridiculed by a BBC host over the party’s floundering rating in opinion polls.
BBC host shuts down Labour MP: Why are you 19 points behind?
Despite a budget U-turn on national insurance rises and being caught up in an election expenses scandal last week, the Conservatives appear to have held a mammoth lead over Labour.
However, the Opposition found itself in the midst of its own civil war over fears the party was at risk of a “left-wing takeover”.
On Monday, Labour deputy Tom Watson warned the party could “cease to exist” if a “secret plot” to ensure Momentum gained permanent control went ahead.
Pressed on Daily Politics what impact the party’s inner turmoil was having, Labour’s Barry Gardiner attempted to deflect the question.
Appearing to ignore the question, the MP for Brent North, responded: “That’s why we need to be attacking this government, not attacking each other.
“I don’t care who it is, I don’t want to see members of my party attack each other, I went to see then focusing on the people undermining this country and that’s this government.”
The Tories have ruled out holding an early general election to take advantage of their surging popularity.
The latest data, gathered by the Guardian/ICM, shows the Conservatives could expect 45 per cent of the vote, up one point from two weeks ago if a snap election was held.
But you’re 19 points behind in the polls…
“Look, given all I’ve said about the chaos going on in the Conservative party,” he said. “Amid all the chaos that has been going on in the Conservative Party…”
Before he could continue, BBC host Jo Coburn shot in: “But you’re 19 points behind in the polls…”
Mr Gardiner tried to dodge the question, as he continued: “In my schools in my constituencies will be £900 per capita poorer”.
Hot on the MP’s heels, Coburn refused to back down: “Why are you 19 points behind?” she once again asked.
Labour, however, is down two points to 26 per cent, Ukip is also down one point while the Lib Dems have risen up one to nine per cent.
Martin Boon, the director of ICM, said the current 19-point lead had only been topped by the Tories on three occasions in the 34-year history of its polls.
"It's so desperate for Labour that it's also nearly a 'full house' across standard demographics," he said.
Appearing to ignore the question, the MP for Brent North, responded: “That’s why we need to be attacking this government, not attacking each other.
“I don’t care who it is, I don’t want to see members of my party attack each other, I went to see then focusing on the people undermining this country and that’s this government.”
The Tories have ruled out holding an early general election to take advantage of their surging popularity.
The latest data, gathered by the Guardian/ICM, shows the Conservatives could expect 45 per cent of the vote, up one point from two weeks ago if a snap election was held.
Labour, however, is down two points to 26 per cent, Ukip is also down one point while the Lib Dems have risen up one to nine per cent.
Martin Boon, the director of ICM, said the current 19-point lead had only been topped by the Tories on three occasions in the 34-year history of its polls.
"It's so desperate for Labour that it's also nearly a 'full house' across standard demographics," he said.