Matthew Wright joined his This Morning co-stars in criticising Liz Truss after a leaked audio recording revealed controversial remarks on ‘British working culture.’
Ms Truss is one of two top Tory MPs hoping to become the next Prime Minister after Boris Johnson announced his resignation earlier this summer.
However, as the leadership contest against Rishi Sunak finally starts to near an end, the Foreign Secretary was dealt a new blow when a clip was published of Ms Truss calling Brits ‘lazy’ and that they ‘need more graft’.
Reacting to the comments, Matthew pointed out to hosts Rochelle Humes and Andi Peters that Mr Johnson himself is currently on his second holiday of the month, and blasted the remarks.
Matthew said: ‘If we’re going to talk about lazy people, Boris Johnson is currently enjoying his second holiday in as many weeks, what a great leader by example he is.’
The broadcaster went on to explain how Ms Truss was one of 13 Tory MPs who contributed to a book titled Britannia Unchained, where she made similar claims.
Presenter Rochelle weighed in by telling viewers the clip was ‘all everyone was talking about’ when she arrived at the This Morning studios on Wednesday morning.
She added: ‘How does that hit, when I think of people who’ve just finished a night shift and they’re working for the NHS?’
Matt replied with a passionate rant at Truss’ comments, saying of workers: ‘Their pay does not reflect the graft, and people are really hurting on top of that.
‘You’ve got to come back from a night shift, you’re earning, in real terms, a lot less than you did before, your groceries are costing more and you find out the future leader of this country thinks you’re lazy?
‘If we’re looking for easy things to blame, blaming workers for being lazy is the easiest and dullest idea of all.’
In an audio clip leaked by The Guardian, Ms Truss said there is a ‘fundamental issue of British working culture’.
In the recording, which was played out on This Morning, she went on: ‘Essentially, if we’re going to be a richer country and a more prosperous country, that needs to change. But I don’t think people are that keen to change that.
There’s a slight thing in Britain about wanting easy answers. That’s my reflection on the election and what’s gone before it, and the referendum – we say it’s all Europe that’s causing these huge problems … it’s all these migrants causing these problems.
‘But actually what needs to happen is more … more graft. It’s not a popular message.’
The recording is said to have been made between 2017 and 2019, while Ms Truss held the position of Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.