Tim Davie resigns as BBC director general after accusations of serious and systemic' bias in coverage

"Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, and the head of BBC News have resigned after a former adviser to the corporation accused it of serious and systemic bias in its coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights. In a shock move, Davie said his depature was his own, but comes with the BBC preparing to apologise for the way the broadcaster edited a Donald Trump speech."

"This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days. I am working through exact timings with the board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months. I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times,"

Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resigned from their BBC leadership roles after allegations of serious and systemic bias by a former adviser, Michael Prescott. The claims covered coverage of Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights and prompted the BBC to prepare an apology for editing a Donald Trump speech. The Commons culture, media and sport select committee set a Monday deadline for the BBC to respond to Prescott’s complaints. Prescott had served as an independent external adviser to the editorial guidelines and standards committee and left the role in the summer. Davie told staff the decision was his and cited intense personal and professional demands while planning an orderly transition.

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