Iain Duncan Smith: Remembering the time former Work and Pensions Secretary clashed with James O'Brien
The pair had a heated exchange over the Government's Work Programme
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Politicians are notoriously unflappable – or at least, they like to think they are – often avoiding questions or traps in debates and interviews by repeating the same rehearsed rhetoric.
But there is one interviewer who has proved his ability time and time again to upset politicians and disturb their composed demeanour by posing provocative and difficult questions they struggle to answer.
James O’ Brien famously had his interview with Nigel Farage brought to an abrupt end after reducing the otherwise self-possessed Ukip leader into a spluttering, furious mess.
O’Brien also had his day with Iain Duncan Smith on 20 February 2013 when the pair had an “explosive bust-up” over the Government’s welfare to work programme, which critics said forced people to work for free or face losing their benefits.
The former Work and Pensions Secretary, who resigned on Friday over cuts to benefits for disabled claimants, appeared on LBC to discuss figures showing a fall in unemployment levels. But O’Brien and Mr Duncan Smith quickly clashed after the presenter questioned a scheme where those involved worked without payment.
"If you just want to make a mess of this, that's fine," snapped Mr Duncan Smith at one point during their exchange. "That's your prerogative," O' Brien responded. Listen to the full exchange above.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments