Lord Sugar has revealed the BBC bars him from commenting on politics or the Government while appearing on The Apprentice, warning that any breach could cost him his job.
The veteran businessman said strict corporation rules prevent him from criticising or backing politicians of any kind.
The 78-year-old, who has fronted the BBC programme since 2005, said the broadcaster has made its position clear.
He said: "The BBC has got rules. They don't want me to criticise any politicians or side with any politicians. So I don't do it."
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Mr Sugar revealed that he will be sacked if he speaks on politics
|BBC
He added: "I've been told not to talk about the Government or politics or anything like that."
Lord Sugar was blunt about the consequences of breaking the guidelines.
The business mogul told Daily Star: "I can't comment on the Government or I'll get sacked by the BBC. It's as simple as that!"
Despite his outspoken reputation, he said that he is happy to comply with the broadcaster’s requirements.
Alan Sugar has fronted the BBC programme for 20 years
| BBCWhen questioned on political issues, he said he avoids engaging entirely.
"If I'm asked about anything like that, I'll plead the fifth amendment," he said.
The entrepreneur, who has more than four million followers on X, said he carefully manages his online presence to stay within the BBC’s boundaries.
"He said: All my comments on the internet are very neutral. They're mainly me complaining about Tottenham!"
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Lord Alan Sugar and the series 19 candidates
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While the BBC’s regulations limit his public commentary, they do not shield him from criticism.
Over more than two decades on screen, Lord Sugar has become one of British television’s most polarising figures.
He said he is unfazed by negative remarks, having developed a thick skin over the years.
"In 20-odd years of running The Apprentice and being the chairman of a football club, nothing shocks me with what people say about me. Nothing at all."
Despite Lord Sugar’s claim that he is barred from commenting on politics while filming, due to BBC rules, his past social media activity suggests this has not always restrained him.
Lord Sugar has long used platforms including X and Facebook to share outspoken political views, frequently backing Labour figures such as Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, criticising Brexit, and attacking what he labels the “far left”.
In March 2025, he publicly endorsed #TeamKeirStarmer and #TeamRachelReeves, urging support for Labour’s budget and calling for people to “fight for our country”.
He has also regularly mocked political opponents online, referring to critics as “red lefties” and “communists”.
Lord Sugar will 'carry on; with the show for as 'as long as the BBC wants'
|BBC
The businessman has been particularly scathing about former US President Donald Trump, previously branding him “unbelievable” and claiming he had “lost the plot”.
In 2025, Lord Sugar described it as “bizarre” after Mr Trump suggested he “worked for him”, referencing their shared association with The Apprentice format.
The upcoming series of The Apprentice is being billed as the most ambitious yet, with producers investing heavily in international filming.
Tasks were filmed in Hong Kong, Egypt, and the Isle of Wight, expanding the show’s scope. Originally, winners received a £100,000 annual salary, but from series seven onwards, the prize became a 50/50 business partnership with a £250,000 investment.