Have I Got News for You: Ian Hislop explains exactly what's wrong with George Osborne

Chancellor recently had a proposal to reduce tax credits rejected by the House of Lords

Ian Hislop on HIGNFY (Screengrab)

Following the Chancellor’s embarrassing defeat by the House of Lords over the tax credit reduction, the Have I Got News for You panel delighted in eviscerating George Osborne on Friday evening.

Kicking off the weekly show, host David Tennant ran through the decision by the peers to reject Mr Osborne’s proposal to reduce tax credits for the poorest in society.

“Who was particularly red in the face about it?”

Paul Merton responded: “Cameron, presumably?”

“I’m trying to think who was red in the face, apart from George Osborne but he doesn’t because he hasn’t got any blood,” Mr Hislop noted.

The show aired a clip of Mr Osborne, in which he repeated the phrases “let’s be clear”, “this raises constitutional issues” and “unelected labour and independent peers voted down” four times without changing his tone, facial expression, or reaction.

“There’s a switch on his back,” Mr Hislop said.

Mr Merton responded: “If only.”