Good Morning Britain host reveals they’ll be off screen until NEXT YEAR after clashing with MP in fiery debate
MARTIN Lewis has revealed he won’t be on Good Morning Britain until next year following his fiery clash with government minister Lisa Nandy.
The Money Saving Expert told fans he wants to focus on his own ITV show for the remainder of 2024 just hours after challenging Nandy on Labour’s decision cut the £300 Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
He wrote on X: “Thanks for the hugely positive feedback about
“@GMB today (from most anyway) and ta to the show for having me. That’s my last presenting shift til next year, as I choose not to do it while
“@itvMLshow is on (it’s back later this month) so I can focus my TV energies on that (tho I’m sure I’ll pop on for the odd cameo guest slot!).”
His followers thanked him for holding the government to account and said his passionate final episode was a good way to bow out.
One commented: “Good way to end it on a high note.”
Another said: “Thank you. No-one else could do what you do, with such warmth, humour & straight-talking.”
A third said: “Crucifying politicians in your spare time must be extremely satisfying.”
Martin apologised to followers for getting worked up during his interview with Nandy.
During their conversation the money-saving guru said: “Why are you defending this?
“You’ve been a campaigner for the poorest in society for so long, yet you’re sitting there defending a policy that charities like AgeUK are pulling their hair out about.”
Charity AgeUK urged the government to scrap the policy, arguing the poorest pensioners, some of whom are earning under £11,000 a year, will be left without support.
Martin believes many OAPs eligible for pension credit won’t apply for it – and will therefore miss out on the vital £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
The argument heated up as Martin continued to press Nandy on the government’s failure to reach those most in need, describing the policy as a “huge flaw”.
He added: “You believe they should get pension credit and the Winter Fuel Payment, but you’re not doing enough to make sure they do.
“You’re not writing individual letters to the hardest-to-reach pensioners.
“There’s lots you could do.”
Hitting back at claims that the party is reaching out to the poorest pensioners, Martin snapped: “The truth is you’re not targeting them. Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?
“You have to accept that there are hundreds of thousands of pensioners earning under £11,400 who will not get this payment this year.”
In response, Nandy defended the government’s efforts, pointing to the rise in pension credit claims, claiming that a “huge drive” had resulted in a 115 per cent increase in applications.
But Martin wasn’t convinced.
He added: “It will take four years for everyone to be signed up. And what’s the solution now? Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?”
Despite the tension, Nandy stuck to her guns, stressing that the government was writing letters to eligible pensioners, but acknowledged the frustration from campaigners like Martin.
Nandy said: “We are working with a wide range of people to reach those who need help.
“I just want to make it clear, we are not leaving anyone high and dry.”
The Sun's Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign
WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.
We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.
Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.
It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.
We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.
Or you can email now: WinterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk
What’s at stake for pensioners?
With changes announced in July, the government confirmed that from this winter, only pensioners who claim pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Previously it was available to around 11 million people of state pension age regardless of income.
But around 880,000 eligible pensioners on the lowest incomes may miss out on the energy help because they haven’t claimed pension credit.