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Ruth Langsford slams £26,000 benefits guest using ‘tax payer’s money’ to buy a horse

Viewers were also appalled by her attitude, with one branding her a lazy parasite

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Mum-of-eight Marie Buchan appeared on Monday’s This Morning to talk about her life on benefits.

Marie currently receives £26,000 a year in benefits but caused tension on today’s show after revealing she plans to spend her “tax payer’s money” on a horse.

Host Ruth Langsford was quick to grill the mum, who has been on the show before, on her decision.

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Explaining her controversial decision Marie, who claims she is out of work due to depression, told the hosts: “This is money that I have saved from working as a carer.”

Ruth, 57, said: “People will be saying you’ve got eight children why on earth would you want to have a horse which will cost so much money when you can spend that on your family?

“Horses are a very expensive animal to keep. This is going to cost you £3,000 or £4,000 a year at least.”

But Marie insisted her dream of having a horse is still very much a top priority.

She said: “I’ve thought of it all. I’m still focused on doing it. If it all goes downhill then I only have myself to blame.”

Ruth continued to grill Marie. She added: “But would you not agree with people saying you’re selfish and that you’re just thinking of yourself?”

Marie hit back saying: “It is a luxury, like a car. I shouldn’t really be driving a car or going to the hairdressers. But going back into the world of work you have to look presentable.”

Presenter Eamonn Holmes was a bit more sympathetic towards Marie as he said: “I genuinely think that you’re trying to improve yourself.”

Marie then explained that she is training to become a mechanic.

Loose Women star Ruth was quick to ask Marie if her depression affects her going to college like it does with going to work.

Marie said: “I get good days and bad days but these tablets are working because now I’m back on my feet.”

The guest went on to explain that she was struggling to juggle everything in her life which caused her depression.

But Ruth snapped at her saying “everyone is juggling”.

Marie then told the hosts: “Let’s swap for lives for a week, you will see that it’s not easy!”

Ruth replied: “We have given you a fair credit, we never said to you that it is easy.”

Viewers were also outraged on Twitter.

One wrote: “#ThisMorning and she can afford to buy a horse and I can’t even pay my bills! The system is messed up!”

Another ranted: “This woman on #ThisMorning what a joke! Shouldn’t watch daytime TV just winds me up! She’s buying a horse with her benefits.”

“Why is this lazy parasite buying a horse with taxpayer’s money? #thismorning,” a third tweeted.

Another added: “Ruth hates her  #ThisMorning.”

https://twitter.com/Sarajones0101/status/891958193118687232

https://twitter.com/LauraWoollin/status/891956881379528704

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Marie previously appeared on the lunchtime show last year and left fans reeling.

She explained that she planned to spend £4,500 on a boob job and defended her decision to stay on benefits.

She told Ruth and Eamonn in November: “I’m already a carer to eight children and I can’t do anymore.

“It’s mentally draining for me – I’m trying to better myself by getting my qualifications as a motor mechanic and juggling everything is too much.

“I’m not manipulating the benefits system.

“The system is a problem – I lost benefits going back to work, such as school meals and help with rent.”

She added: “I do intend to have a boob job, and it will be paid for by my caring job. [I want to] buy a boob job with my wages.

“Child tax credits and working tax credits pay for the kids.”


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)