BBC presenter sacked after ‘cheerful’ reaction to Boris Johnson’s withdrawal from Tory leadership race

The broadcaster’s strict impartiality memorandum for staff reads: “The BBC is committed to achieving appropriate impartiality in all its productions. This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values ​​and the trust of our audiences.

“The term ‘must’ means that impartiality must be appropriate and appropriate to the result, having regard to the subject matter and nature of the content, the likely expectations of the audience and any indications which may affect that expectation.”

He adds that “proper impartiality usually involves more than ‘balancing’ between opposing views,” but says it “does not require absolute neutrality on every issue or departure from basic democratic principles such as suffrage, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.” .

Viewers claimed this breached the BBC’s impartiality rules.

The broadcaster’s stern notice to staff reads: “The BBC is committed to achieving appropriate impartiality in all its products. This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values ​​and the trust of our audiences.

“The term ‘must’ means that impartiality must be appropriate and appropriate to the result, having regard to the subject matter and nature of the content, the likely expectations of the audience and any indications which may affect that expectation.”

He adds that “proper impartiality usually involves more than ‘balancing’ between opposing views,” but says it “does not require absolute neutrality on every issue or departure from basic democratic principles such as suffrage, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.” .

A recent history of BBC impartiality disputes

On 2 October, the BBC received 102 complaints about Laura Kuenssberg’s new Sunday political show, with the main issue being bias against Liz Truss.

The interview took place during the Tory party conference in Birmingham.

A month earlier, on the day of the show’s launch, the broadcaster received 144 complaints for the same reason.

It was an episode in which comedian Joe Lycett sarcastically cheered and praised Mrs Truss.

The September 2 episode of Have I Got News For You, which was heavily critical of then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, received 307 complaints.