Good Morning Britain fans call for Richard Madeley to be axed as he makes ‘short-sighted’ comment on poverty

GOOD Morning Britain fans were left furious this morning as Richard Madeley made a “short-sighted” comment about poverty.

The host, 66, was discussing the cost of living crisis and recent comments from a minister suggesting that people should work harder to get by.

Rachel Maclean, safeguarding minister in the Home Office said people needed to “protect themselves better”, adding “whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better-paid job”.

Debating her comments today, Richard asked: “Do you think that she has got a point? That we are too quick as a society, largely because of social media to jump on the heads of people who re going into areas that are controversial but some people say need saying.

“In other words ‘god helps people who helps themselves’. It’s an old saying but it has a degree of wisdom to it, hasn’t it?”

Those watching at home were unimpressed by the comments, and took to Twitter to slam him.

One person wrote:  “Honestly, Richard Madeley needs to reconsider his words or perhaps think about his usefulness on GMB.

“Using the “God helps those who help themselves” is particularly shortsighted in current circumstances. Or is he suggesting we pray for more money and a better quality of life?”

A second added: “Just heard Richard Madeley say ‘ God helps those that help themselves.’ Surely God helps those that CAN’T help themselves!”

While a third remarked: “As for Mad Madley “God helps those who help themselves!”! I, like many, want him replaced by a grown up.”

And a fourth raged: “RIchard Madeley, God is NOT going to turn around and let me step out of my wheel chair, rid me of my chronic pain and CFS/ME, in order for me to go back to work, despite my BSC degree!! Think before you speak!”

Richard and Susanna have fronted GMB Mondays to Wednesdays since just before Christmas.

The veteran broadcaster took over the job nine months after the departure of Piers Morgan, who is about to launch a new show on talkTV.

However, Richard has been taking days off more frequently in recent weeks, after admitting his future on the show is uncertain.