Ed Balls calling Russell Brand a pound shop Ben Elton is ‘what the young people call banter’
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – DECEMBER 5: Russell Brand pictured during a Book Signing for ‘Revolution’ at Waterstone’s, Picadilly on December 5, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Huckle/Getty Images)
Labour’s shadow chancellor was on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning defending Ed Miliband’s decision to be interviewed by Russell Brand.
He actually made some very fair points and put John Humphrey’s back in his place. His point was that while it was lovely and traditional, I think he used the word “honour” to appear on Radio 4 it is the responsibility of politicians to answer questions from everyone. He says he and other politicians pop up on Sky, the BBC and the morning television sofas and so why should they not make their argument on Mr Brand’s sofa too?
The problem is that Russell Brand has been a flame for political moths for many months now and not many have resisted taking a pop at the man who is telling young people politics is pointless. And Ed Balls is no exception.
In January Mr Balls said the comedian was a “pound-shop Ben Elton”. A joke that referenced Mr Brand’s own comments that Nigel Farage is a pound shop Enoch Powell.
In Mr Balls defence his comments came after Mr Brand said he was a “clicky-wristed … snidey c***” on a Christmas television show.
Mr Balls laughed it off this morning saying it was what young people would call banter. Interestingly Mr Brand may possibly agree.
The full Miliband Brand interview is expected later today.