Martin Lewis takes swipe at government in NTA acceptance speech

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis used his National Television Awards acceptance speech as an opportunity to take a swipe at the British government.

Lewis was recognised for his work as he took home the NTA in the 'Expert' category at the event tonight (13 October), and while on stage drew attention to the ongoing cost of living crisis and the issues the UK has to face in the coming months.

After expressing his shock at having beaten fellow nominees including Jay Blades, Kaleb Cooper and Sir David Attenborough, Lewis turned his attention to the UK government.

"The energy crisis has been disastrous and left many people with terrible issues and mental health problems, I'm afraid next year with the mortgage problem and the knock on to rent is going to be pretty bad. And you know what? We need somebody to get a grip on the economy and put things a little bit better," he said.

Naturally Lewis' comments received a big cheer from the audience, and he stressed that he'd be getting more into the topic on his Martin Lewis Money Show next week.

Until then, he announced that he'd be spending the evening enjoying his win with a few drinks.

Lewis comments come after he criticised prime minister Liz Truss last month for failing to come up with a way to help Brits tackle 'catastrophic' price rises coming our way as the war in Ukraine continues.

After learning that the average household energy bill would increase to £3,549, Lewis commented: “This is a catastrophe … if we do not get further government intervention, on top of what was announced in May, then lives will be lost this winter.”

Lewis has been praised by television viewers for his candid comments at the NTAs tonight, with many taking to Twitter to applaud the financial journalist for his comments.

"Glad Martin Lewis threw a bit of shade towards the government there #NTAs," one person wrote, while another commented: "Martin Lewis winning TV Expert of the Year at the #NTAs and taking the opportunity to say that *someone* needs to get a grip on the economy, I am HERE FOR IT."

Viewers also celebrated Lewis' win in general, with many noting that while the other nominees were all worthy in their own way, Lewis has done a lot to help the public among the ongoing crisis.

"Sir David Attenborough will always be a legend but Martin Lewis has been a legend this year by helping support people through this financial crisis, he deserves that award imo," one person wrote.