'This Morning' Boris Johnson interview prompts Ofcom complaints
Ofcom has received 149 complaints about Boris Johnson's This Morning interview which saw him being questioned by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield ahead of the General Election on 12 November, Ofcom has confirmed to Yahoo News UK.
The broadcasting watchdog is now set to asses the complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not.
After the chat, Schofield and Willoughby received backlash from viewers as they noted how Johnson had been treated compared with Jeremy Corbyn who appeared on the ITV show the previous day.
Read more: Graham Norton claims Phillip Schofield and other ITV hosts paid more than BBC stars
Schofield had probed Corbyn over anti-Semitism in the Labour Party on Wednesday's show, urging him to apologise for anti-Semitism in the party.
However, when it came to asking Johnson about his comments about muslim women and Islamophobia, some of those watching didn't believe he was given as much of a harsh grilling.
I'm so disappointed in Holly &Phil. Now I won't be able to watch This Morning w/o remembering they didn't hold Boris Johnson accountable for his witnessed islamophobia, homophobia & racism & instead slammed down on Jeremy Corbyn when he has fought all forms of racism all his life
— Sumin (@marvelbtsjeon) December 5, 2019
Holly and Phil on this morning previously tried to force Jeremy Corbyn to apologise for his party's anti-Semitism, but makes no effort to force Boris to apologise for his homophobia, racism, or Islamophobia. At least try to hide your bias.
— Jack Gallagher (@Cyhyryth) December 5, 2019
Further scrutiny came as the presenting pair posed for a photo with Johnson which the politician posted to his social media channels.
Thank you to Phillip and Holly at @thismorning - a good opportunity to talk more about our exciting vision for the country #GetBrexitDone pic.twitter.com/IoFuW1mscO
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 5, 2019
Schofield defended his and Willoughby’s decision to take a photograph with the Prime Minister, telling his Twitter followers: "Can I point out that if Mr Corbyn had asked for a selfie, we would have happily obliged."
Johnson's This Morning appearance came amid criticism for his apparent refusal to accept an interview with Andrew Neil on the BBC.
Last night saw Neil challenge the Conservative leader to a sit-down interview, declaring that "it's not too late".
Corbyn has already appeared opposite Neil for a grilling, as have the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.