The BBC has admitted that it has impartiality “arrangements” with some of its stars as the corporation defends Lord Alan Sugar in the row over Gary Lineker’s comments criticising the Government.
David Jordan, the BBC's Director of Editorial Policy, said there is an “arrangement” in place with Lord Sugar amid accusations of hypocrisy from supporters of Lineker.
It comes after a series of tweets posted by Lord Sugar in December where he slammed RMT leader Mick Lynch.
He accused the union chief of “bringing the country to its knees” and enjoying the publicity fuelled by the widespread industrial action.
Lineker supporters accused the BBC of hypocrisy
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Jordan defended Lord Sugar's tweets as he said BBC stars are not expected to restrict political views when they are not in the spotlight of the corporation.
“Alan Sugar has been very, very restrained recently you would have noticed because he is presenting The Apprentice,” Jordan said when appearing on The Media Show.
“He voluntarily constrains himself on social media when he’s very identified with the BBC presenting The Apprentice and just before that or just after that.
“The rest of the time he’s free to say, as a business person, what he wants to say.”
The latest series of The Apprentice is currently being shown by BBC.
When asked whether Lord Sugar's announcement that he was supporting the Conservative Party during the 2019 General Election caused any issues within the BBC, Jordan said the comments came after a policy change.
“It would have been an issue if it had come up during The Apprentice run,” he said.
His comments imply how some presenters and freelancers are exempt from the impartiality rules and instead have individual understandings with senior bosses.
In a series of tweets last year, Lord Sugar wrote: “Mick Lynch loves the cameras. He got stitched up on GMB today. Next thing he’ll be doing Strictly or appearing on Graham Norton. Anyone know how much he is paid.”
He added: “Hello Mick Lynch are you happy with yourself bringing the country and ordinary people down on their knees over Xmas.
“You don't fool me waiting for the employers to come to table. You love the publicity. Your members would like to earn what you get. Why don't you waive your salary.”
Reports suggest that Lineker had a “special agreement” with BBC director general Tim Davie to tweet about migrants and immigration.
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It is understood that as The Apprentice is only shown for a short period of the year, Lord Sugar has greater freedom to express political reviews.
But as Lineker hosts Match of the Day on most Saturdays throughout the year, he may not have the same agreement.
However, the former England footballer's agent revealed yesterday that he believed he had a “special agreement” with BBC director general Tim Davie to tweet about migrants and immigration.
Jon Holmes, who has worked with Lineker for more than 40 years, said the presenter had a “passionate interest” in the topic and believed he had permission to tweet about the issue.
Holmes said: “In my view, the BBC did not have to put itself in that position and publish its statement.
“It’s best not to feed the beast. You starve it – that’s how you achieve a quick resolution to problems like these.”
