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VIEWERS hit out at Charlie Stayt this morning for the way he grilled a female politician on BBC Breakfast.

The presenter had Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on the news show for a discussion about the Labour budget.

BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt interviewed politician Rachel Reeves this morning
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BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt interviewed politician Rachel Reeves this morningCredit: BBC
The show host sparked a social media backlash with his aggressive questioning style
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The show host sparked a social media backlash with his aggressive questioning styleCredit: Getty

He kicked off the interview by asking her about the party's U-turn on a £28bn a year green investment pledge.

Charlie took an aggressive line of questioning, saying: "In the event of you becoming Chancellor, you said: 'I will not shirk our responsibility to future generations.'

"Given what you just said, you went on to say: 'No dither, no delay. Labour will meet the challenge head on. I will be a responsible Chancellor. I will be Britain's first green Chancellor.'

"What you just said to us is things change. But that begs the question - why make that pledge, which felt like it was set in cement, if you were prepared to turn back on it?"

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Rachel responded: "I am absolutely going to be the first green Chancellor. I am going to bring to - "

But she did not manage to finish her sentence before being cut off by the host.

Charlie cut in: "Well you're less of a green Chancellor is the truth. You can't have it both ways."

The BBC Breakfast presenter continued to interrupt and talk over Rachel as she attempted to answer his questions about the Labour party.

Many viewers at home were left unhappy with his approach, with some even saying they were switching the chat show off.

One person hit out: "Come on @BBCBreakfast get your presenters on some interview courses. Always interrupting, asking the same question in a different way just to get the same answer - so irritating."

Another complained: "Why does Charlie feel it necessary to speak over the opposition politicians? Awful ‘interviewing’ - rude patronising & fails to listen. Stop talking over a woman Charlie!"

Who are the current permanent presenters of BBC Breakfast?

The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 60 years on air but the current stars are familiar faces

Jon Kay - Since 2022

Sally Nugent - Since 2021

Charlie Stayt - Since 2006

Naga Munchetty - Since 2014

Carol Kirkwood - Since 1997

A third moaned: "I am switching off until Charlie has shut up."

A fourth chimed in: "@BBCBreakfast please get rid of Charlie, his interviews are frustrating at best. Get facts without antagonism or resorting to playground tactics, & consistent interruptions."

However, others were pleased with his harsh tactics.

Someone shared: "Well done Charlie @BBCBreakfast. People like @RachelReevesMP think the voting public are stupid .@UKLabour past record with yep the publics money is appalling and you Rachel did nothing more today to change certainly my mind. Thank God Charlie interviewed today."

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