Northwich Question Time crowd gasps at GB News presenter's comment

Matthew Goodwin, a writer and former professor of politics at the University of Kent, appeared on the show as one of two non-politicians, alongside author and Guardian columnist, George Monbiot.

They were joined by Baroness Smith, a Labour peer and current skills minister; Liz Smart, the Lib Dem MP for Hazel Grove; and Danny Kruger, the current MP for East Wiltshire.

The show was being filmed at Northwich Memorial Hall on Thursday, February 13, with an audience of local people, selected to represent the political views of the country as a whole. 

The panellists took turns answering five questions, including one from Catherine Tipping, about whether it is ever OK to lie on your CV.

This was prompted by recent revelations about the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, whose LinkedIn profile misrepresented the nature and length of time she spent in a number of her previous banking roles, forcing her to change it twice.

The final question of the show came from Tracey Smith, who asked the panel: “With Donald Trump and Elon Musk now getting things sorted in America, do you think the Labour government would benefit from having more businesspeople in government positions?

Asked for her own view, Ms Smith said: “I don’t agree with lots of things [Trump] is doing, but at least he’s doing things.

"Over here, everything takes forever."

This prompted a response from Mr Goodwin, who said: “What’s so refreshing about Trump, whatever you think about the man, is he’s giving his voters what he said he was going to give them, and he’s taking decisive action."

“My personal view is we need some kind of similar, radical revolution in this country which understands 70 to 80 per cent of Brits want their borders controlled.

“They don’t want open borders.

“They don’t want their kids being taught little boys can become little girls and little girls become little boys.

“I’m sorry but it’s true.”

At this point, presenter, Fiona Bruce intervened, adding: “Big intake of breath from our audience there.”

Mr Goodwin, 43, added: “They don’t want the state imposing a political project on them from above.

“Of course we need a radical revolution in this country.”

At this point, Ms Bruce brought the show to a close.

Responding to the broadcast on the BBC Question Time Facebook page, one commentator said: “Who is this petulant child? Jesus, it’s embarrassing.

“Let’s shout over everyone else and throw in random irrelevant culture war tropes, to make up for the inadequacy of our opinions.

“Try harder.”

Another added: “This disgusting individual just had a go at the trans population after talking over everyone else.”

However, not everyone was so critical.

One added: “Well done, Matt Goodwin. At least one person on the panel is saying what I'm thinking.”

Another said: “I have to say Matthew, you’re the first person on here who spoke a lot of truth about all subject matter tonight.”

Mr Goodwin left his job as professor of politics at the University of Kent in July 2024 to take up his current role as a presenter with GB News. 

His research and writing focused on populism and right-wing political movements.