Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off-air after swearing at minister

Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been taken off-air for a week after he swore at a government minister.

The journalist had been interviewing Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker on Wednesday evening.

After the interview ended, Guru-Murthy continued to exchange words with the politician that was not broadcast.

He said: “Thanks a lot, Steve.

“It wasn’t a stupid question, Steve, you know it. I’m very happy to go up against you on Truss any day.”

Guru-Murthy can then be heard to laugh and then say: “What a c***.”

After a recording of the moment was made public, the Channel 4 News presenter issued an apology.

“After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air,” he said.

“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly. I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”

A spokesperson for Channel 4 said Guru-Murthy would not appear on screen for a time following the insult.

“Channel 4 has a strict code of conduct for all its employees, including its programming teams and on-air presenters, and takes any breaches seriously,” the said.

“Following an off-air incident Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been taken off air for a week.”