‘Get a grip!’ Fuming Richard Tice shuts down GMB hosts as bias row erupts
Tensions were on the rise in the Good Morning Britain studios as Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh grilled Reform UK’s Richard Tice. On Friday (August 14), Nigel Farage won the Clacton-on-Sea by-election, receiving 66% of the votes. The politician resigned as MP for the coastal town following weeks of intense scrutiny of his financial support from longtime ally George Cottrell and Christopher Harbone.
Despite his victory against Count Binface and the Monster Raving Loony Party, the 62-year-old did not attend the results declaration in person, claiming Essex Police advised against it. The force has since released a statement denying these claims, stating: “We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count.”
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Farage told supporters before the result was confirmed: “I am damned if I am going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory… and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies”. Following the scrutiny, the presenting duo welcomed the deputy leader of Reform UK onto the show to clear up the confusion over his absence.
Kate pointed out: “Nigel Farage did say that this decision had come after being contacted by Essex Police. So presumably, there was then a conversation with security advisers. What we’ve been told is that Essex Police didn’t tell anybody not to go.”
Mr Tice fumed: “Seriously, I think you need to get a grip. I’m talking about Nigel’s safety, security and remaining alive and you’re playing on minor words by different people who might be giving advice.” Ranvir interjected to point out that these “minor words” came from a Reform UK spokesperson who told reporters overnight at the actual count who said that Essex Police had told them that Nigel Farage should stay away because of a credible threat.
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She explained: “That’s a very clear statement from Reform UK to a reporter overnight. We’re just trying to clarify if that was the case.” The politician refused to answer the question and snapped back with: “You’re wasting this interview on a matter which is less relevant than the result.
“Honestly, I find it astonishing that you’re questioning the judgment of our security team. I’ll just repeat, Nigel has been given a resounding victory by the constituents of Clacton. The question is now, what does the standards commissioner do?
“Frankly, he will make whatever decision he does, but I think the constituents of Clacton would view it as completely ridiculous if this came back to them in a few months’ time, because the establishment wants another stitch-up.” It didn’t take long for viewers to flock to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their thoughts on the explosive clash online.
One user penned: “This left-wing show has no shame. After what’s happened to Ann Widdecombe and finding out that Nigel’s house had been fire bombed too, they still try and have a go at why he wasn’t there, even though security had advised him against it. Shameful TV.”
Another fumed: “They both should be off TV. Kate finding it funny about Nigel’s security and Ranvir trying to intimidate. How are they still on TV? Get both of them off, they’re just shocking.” A third chimed in with: “The critics have started. Nigel Farage can’t do anything without the critics finding fault. He won the election the other parties boycotted in case a bin head had more votes than them.”
Meanwhile, others argued that Mr Tice was in the wrong, with one user arguing: “Stop interviewing Reform UK… they just lie and shout over you.” Another agreed: “Great questioning by Ranvir and Kate… Reform UK are desperate to shift away from ‘The police said this’ and ‘After the police denied it…”
