Senior BBC insiders fear Boris Johnson and his allies are orchestrating a campaign to undermine the corporation's leadership, following the leak of a critical internal memo about its reporting on Donald Trump, transgender rights and Gaza.
Pressure mounts on BBC director general
The leaked document, written by former independent adviser Michael Prescott, has placed BBC director general Tim Davie and other senior editorial figures under significant pressure. Parliament's culture, media and sport committee has demanded the BBC respond to the memo's claims by Monday, forcing the corporation's board to compile an official response.
Johnson told the Daily Telegraph that Davie "must either explain or resign" over the allegations contained in the memo. The former prime minister accused the BBC of being "caught red-handed in multiple acts of leftwing bias".
Questions over board appointments
Concerns have been raised about the role of BBC board member Robbie Gibb, who was appointed during Johnson's time in Downing Street. Gibb, who previously served as Theresa May's communications director and helped launch right-wing channel GB News, was reportedly instrumental in Prescott's appointment as an adviser to the editorial guidelines and standards committee.
Sources told the Guardian that Gibb sat on the four-person panel that interviewed Prescott for the role. Prescott left his BBC advisory position during the summer, but is now preparing to appear before the Commons culture, media and sport committee.
Johnson denied any coordination with Gibb or Prescott, calling suggestions of an effort to undermine BBC leadership "complete and utter bollocks". He claimed he hadn't spoken to either man for years and only learned about Prescott's report when it appeared on the Telegraph website.
Specific allegations of bias
The memo's most significant criticism focused on a Panorama episode broadcast shortly before the US election. Prescott accused the programme of selectively editing a Donald Trump speech to make it appear clearer that he encouraged the US Capitol attack.
According to the memo, a spliced clip suggested Trump told supporters: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol and I'll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell" - despite these words being taken from sections of his speech almost an hour apart.
Prescott also raised concerns about BBC Arabic, claiming that a review by journalist David Grossman had identified "systemic problems" representing anti-Israel bias. He alleged insufficient action had been taken following Grossman's report, though BBC minutes from March indicate structural changes were implemented in response.
The BBC responded that where mistakes occurred in BBC Arabic coverage, they were acknowledged and addressed, with processes improved to prevent repetition.
Political reactions and implications
The leaked memo has drawn strong reactions from Conservative figures beyond Johnson. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said "heads should roll" at the corporation, while Johnson previously posted on social media demanding resignations.
The timing is particularly sensitive as the BBC approaches crucial charter renewal discussions with the government. Some observers believe the criticisms form part of broader attempts dating back to Johnson's premiership to shift British media rightward.
Rupa Huq, a member of the culture committee, noted the unusual nature of Prescott's upcoming appearance, tweeting that it was "highly unusual for one person panels, particularly when they are partisan figures".
The BBC board's response will be closely watched, with some concerns existing that the board was primarily established to enhance commercial activities rather than provide editorial expertise.
