Television presenter Adil Ray sparked viewer outrage during Friday morning's Good Morning Britain after appearing to defend Labour amid the latest government scandal.
The ITV programme was discussing Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali's resignation following allegations she expelled tenants from her east London property before advertising it at a significantly higher rate.
Co-host Ranvir Singh highlighted claims of hypocrisy against the minister, noting that whilst Ali's actions were "within the current law", she had been championing legislation to prevent precisely such practices.
When former Conservative adviser Salma Shah branded the behaviour "appalling", Ray interjected to offer an alternative perspective.
ITV GMB: Ranvir Singh and Adil Ray discussed the Homelessness Minister's resignation on Friday's show
|ITV
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During the heated exchange, Ray attempted to present what he called a different viewpoint, interrupting his co-hosts as they discussed the minister's conduct.
His intervention came as Singh explained how Ali had been "backing the renters' rights bill which is trying to overhaul that particular bit of the law."
"Which then would stop people, under the guise of trying to sell a house evicting tenants and then putting up the rent. Which is exactly what she just did," Singh stated.
When Shah agreed the situation demonstrated "hypocrisy all the way through", describing it as "appalling behaviour", Ray cut in to challenge the consensus.
![ITV GMB: ]Adil Ray](https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/itv-gmb-adil-ray.png?id=61441464&width=980)
ITV GMB: ]Adil Ray appeared to defend her actions
|ITV
Author Nels Abbey was also present for the discussion, which saw the presenters debate whether Ali's legal compliance excused her ethical contradictions.
Viewers responded angrily to what they perceived as bias, with the presenter's defence of Labour drawing widespread criticism on social media.
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ITV GMB: Adil Ray's comments sparked fury on social media
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May suggested Ray would've had a different stance if the shoe was on the other foot. "If this had been a conservative MP, there is no way anyone would have been defending her like Adil was," one X user fumed, while a second echoed: "Imagine the outrage if this was a Tory."
A third switch off, saying: "I am not watching gmb anymore. Over to GB news for me. Not a very inclusive show with one sided politics. Get rid of Adil he s not politically neutral."
"Terrible journalism from GMB," a fourth hit out. "Today's journalists are so intrenched in liberal ideology, they simply let left leaning politicians get a free ride."
Another complained: "I don't take any notice of mainstream news anymore, they cherry pick and twist what they tell you. GB news and citizen journalists on YouTube are the places for the truth."
ITV GMB: Salma Shah criticised Rushanara Ali
|ITV
"Gobsmacked that some of you are defending this," a sixth weighed in while another fumed: "Adil defending Ali. He needs to go now as any other party he would destroy them. Shame on you!" (sic)
Ali tendered her resignation on Thursday after reports emerged that she had terminated her tenants' lease at her four-bedroom townhouse before advertising the property at £4,000 monthly - a £700 increase from the previous £3,300 rate.
The minister had provided four months' notice to the occupants in November, stating the property would be sold. However, when no buyer materialised, the house reappeared on the rental market within weeks at the inflated price.
The controversy centres on Ali's role overseeing the Renters' Rights Bill, which would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants under the pretence of selling, then reletting within six months. Her actions directly contradicted the legislation her department was steering through Parliament.
Rushanara Ali's resignation was announced on Friday morning
|ITV
In her resignation letter, Ali maintained she had complied with "all legal requirements" but acknowledged remaining would create "a distraction from the government".
Ali's departure represents the fourth ministerial resignation from Sir Keir Starmer's administration, dealing another blow to his leadership. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stepped down in November after historic fraud allegations surfaced, whilst Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq resigned in January amid corruption investigations linked to relatives in Bangladesh, claims she refutes.
The pattern of departures directly contradicts Labour's election manifesto pledge that they would "end the chaos of sleaze". The Prime Minister now faces an unwelcome ministerial reshuffle during what should have been a recuperative summer recess following a challenging parliamentary session.
Questions are mounting about Starmer's judgement in ministerial appointments, with critics wondering why, from over 400 MPs, he struggles to select ministers without damaging controversies waiting to emerge at inopportune moments.
Rushanara Ali (right)
|PA
Conservative Party chair Kevin Hollinrake demanded Ali's departure, declaring it demonstrated "one rule for Labour and one for everyone else". He condemned what he termed "endless sleaze and scandal" from the Labour government, asserting the British public deserved better than a "government of hypocrisy and self-service".
Liberal Democrat representatives were equally scathing, with a spokesperson stating: "Rushanara Ali fundamentally misunderstood her role. Her job was to tackle homelessness, not to increase it." They branded her conduct "staggeringly irresponsible", particularly given years of delayed rental reforms under previous Conservative administrations.
The opposition parties urged swift appointment of a replacement who would treat homelessness with appropriate seriousness. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh defended Ali on Sky News, insisting she had "not broken any rules or any laws" whilst emphasising the government's commitment to protecting tenants through the Renters' Rights Bill.g