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Owen Jones is the left-wing columnist best-known for his work in the The Guardian newspaper. Several times a week, his views splay the opinion section. Mr Jones also has a tendency to spark the occasional Twitter furore.

The commentator has several times sent the social media platform into meltdown.

One occasion saw him widely praised after posting a video of himself while being hounded by a group of far-right protestors.

For the large part, however, Mr Jones appears to face condemnation and disapproval more than he is commended.

In 2017, he appeared on the Today programme with the BBC’s former veteran broadcaster, described as the “Jack Russell” of journalism, John Humphrys.

Mr Jones was quizzed over his being part of the “establishment”.

It was an intended reference to Mr Jones’ 2014 book, ‘The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It’.

Mr Jones campaigns against the so-called establishment.

His work focuses on the struggles faced by working class Britons in the face of what he claims is a near-impossible system of social mobility.

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He also tries to call out those in positions of power for forcefully exerting their influence in society to better themselves.

While speaking with Mr Humphrys, Mr Jones rejected the claim that he was part of the “establishment”.

He said: “That depends how you define the establishment.

“People will go, ‘oh you went from a [comprehensive] in Stockport to Oxford, therefore you are part of the establishment’.”

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It is a point many of ors constantly return to: that he is yet another example of the Oxbridge educated and middle class attempting to give a voice to the “masses”.

Mr Humphrys, a Welshman with working class roots, stopped Mr Jones, telling him he had “great influence”.

Mr Jones continued: “You could argue what I write if you like, or even going on the Today programme to talk about things, produces some sort of influence.

“There is a difference I think between one of the great economic titans, who has huge control over our economy and also, direct political influence and a Guardian columnist who goes on the radio to complain how the way the country is run.”

It wouldn’t be Mr Jones’ only run in with the BBC over his work.

In 2019, while appearing on the broadcaster’s political show ‘This Week’, he clashed with another BBC big hitter, Andrew Neil.

The encounter came after Mr Jones had accused the right-wing magazine, The Spectator – of which Mr Neil is chairman – of stoking prejudice in Britain.

While Mr Jones claimed the magazine had “defended Greek neo-Nazis” and published Islamophobic content, Mr Neil outright refused to allow such comment.

Mr Neil replied: “I knew you were going to bring that up and I won’t let you hijack.

“Your smears about me are not going to be dealt with tonight so just move off.”

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