GMB's Charlotte Hawkins skewers Labour minister as she tears apart hypocritical car remark

Lilian Greenwood was torn apart by Charlotte Hawkins after making a surprising confession on Good Morning Britain. The future of roads minister appeared on Tuesday's instalment of the ITV programme to discuss the government's £650 million scheme which will give drivers across the UK access to discounts on new electric car models. During the interview, Greenwood revealed she doesn't own an electric car, but said she plans on buying one once she decides to purchase a new vehicle. 

Afterwards, Ed Vaizey and Kevin Maguire joined presenters Richard Madeley and Charlotte, who couldn't resist mocking the politician after she repeatedly explained the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, despite not having one herself. She commented: "I just find it interesting that the future of roads minister is coming on, encouraging people to buy electric cars, the transport secretary is and neither of them have one."

Maguire laughed as Vaizey declared: "I think that's shocking. It's basic politics. If the prime minister calls you in and says I'm making you the electric cars minister, the second thing you do is go and buy an electric car."

Maguire added: "I remember Ed Miliband went out and bought one. But then he could afford to go and get one. I do kind of get that you want a health secretary who uses the NHS, an education secretary whose kids are in state schools, and if somebody is going on about buying an electric car, I can see why it would be more convincing if they had one themselves."

During the interview, Charlotte questioned whether this is the right focus for public money and if people actually want them.

Greenwood explained: "We know that people want to make the switch to an electric vehicle but they're worried about the upfront cost and they want to be sure that they're going to be able to charge it easily and conveniently. 

"Electric vehicles cost a bit more than diesel and petrol vehicles and that's why we're offering this discount, which starts tomorrow, up to 3,750 pounds off the price of a new electric vehicle. 

"Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate. If you're able to charge at home, you can get about for as little as 2p per mile, which means you could drive them all the way from London to Birmingham for around £2.50."

The politician added: "We know that upfront costs are an issue and that's why we're giving this offer and discount in order to enable more people to afford to make that switch."