Good Morning Britain host Alastair Campbell was involved in a furious personal clash with the Conservative Crime and Policing minister, leading Susanna Reid to question whether they had 'history' with one another.
Kit Malthouse appeared on the ITV programme and seemed to become easily riled by the former Labour press secretary.
Alastair had asked Malthouse to list the Seven Principles of Public Life, which outline the ethical standards those working in the public sector are expected to adhere to, and how Boris Johnson fares against them.
"Obviously there are a variety of principles," Malthouse replied. "The selflessness, have to treat people with respect, you have to act in the public interest. The prime minister fulfils all of those parts of-"
After being interrupted by Alastair, Malthouse insisted that Johnson's record had been "proven over time", but added: "I know for people like you it's easy to throw insults at politicians and of course, you were on the other side of the game in the past. But the prime minister has just won - two years ago - a massive vote of confidence from the British people and he's prosecuting what we hope is a vigorous agenda on their behalf and I'm sure they'll support him in the future."
Alastair went on to list the principles: "Honesty - I don't think he does very well on that one. Openness - if he was open I think he would come on programmes like this. Objectivity - I don't think so. Selflessness - well, I'll give you that one, if you insist. Integrity - lots of questions about that. Accountability - I make the point again about not coming on programmes like this. And leadership.
"You're telling me he scores 10 out of 10 on all seven?"
"Well, on accountability he's just appearing on Radio 4 just now for a grilling by them," Malthouse replied. "And it's an interesting accusation coming from you, I have to say. Who would not exactly be considered an impartial observer in these matters-"
Alastair interjected: "Look, you can play the man rather than the ball, if you want to."
Malthouse hit back: "Well, that's exactly what you're doing!"
The GMB presenter retorted that he had asked him about whether the prime minister had abided by those principles, asking: "If he honest all the time?"
"In my experience, yes he is," the MP replied.
Susanna asked: "Are you having to say that because he's sitting right next to you, Mr Malthouse?"
Malhouse shook his head and said that he had no idea where he was, before the camera panned over to Boris Johnson sitting nearby with another reporter.
Frustrated, the MP said: "If we could talk about something of substance to the British people today... I realise, Alastair, that you're there to try and make some kind of political point. I'm not sure anybody would regard you as an impartial observer in these matters! But if you want to talk about crime or violence or some of these issues."
The subject then changed to crime, but the interview once again became tense and rather personal as Malthouse and Alastair traded verbal blows.
Malthouse hit out: "Well, Alastair, I understand that you're trying to create a picture that fills your own prejudice about the government-"
Alastair hit back: "I'm just trying to ask you a question!"
The MP retorted: "We are prosecuting an agenda that appealed to the British people very strongly over the last election. I'm proud of that agenda and you'll be hearing more about it today. And to be perfectly honest with you, I'd be happy to put my agenda against yours, my record against yours and see what the British people think."
"Well, you can do what you want," Alastair replied. "You've been in power for 11 years and it's been a pleasure talking to you."
After the interview was cut, Susanna raised her eyebrows and said: "When we talk about honesty, Alastair, I'm not sure 'a pleasure talking to you' comes across as particularly honest!"
She added: "Is it personal between you and Kit Malthouse?"
"No," he replied. "I don't think I've even met the guy!"
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
