Gary Lineker’s commentary on political affairs is part of a ploy to “stay on the airwaves”, sports broadcaster Aidan Magee has claimed.
The Match of the Day star has hit headlines on multiple occasions in recent years for lambasting Government policy.
According to Magee, this was not always the case and Lineker had not make his political persuasion clear “10 years ago”.
Speaking on GB News, Magee said Lineker is frequently wading in on affairs as part of a deliberate attempt to remain “relevant”.
Aidan Magee spoke about Gary Lineker's potential new contract
PA / GB NEWS
It comes amid suggestions the broadcaster is set to put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal with the Beeb.
Asked by Darren Grimes why the broadcaster remains intent on keeping Lineker, Magee said it is a simple case of them “liking” him.
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“They know the viewers like familiarity, he has been there since 1990”, he said.
“He had a stellar career before he was ever a broadcaster. He grew into that role, he was coached by someone called Brian Barwick.
“I wrote his column a couple of times for News of the World a while ago, I wouldn’t say I knew him, but I couldn’t have told you 10 years ago what his political persuasion would be.
“He didn’t suddenly develop what he would call a ‘social conscience’. This is a calculated attempt to keep himself relevant and keep himself on the airwaves.
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PA“We saw it with Carol Vorderman as well. There is obviously advice from their agent when they’re at risk of falling off a cliff.
“They would say to them to ‘get a bit political’, it makes you a bit more difficult to dispense with.”
The presenter is reportedly in contract talks with the broadcaster over a new contract.
He will continue to be the face of the Beeb’s football coverage, and with the corporation looking set to renew their hold on the rights for Premier League highlights, they are keen to have Lineker on board.
The presenter is already the highest paid at the BBC with a £1.35 million a year contract.
He sparked controversy in March by likening the Government’s rhetoric on migration to 1930s Germany.
The presenter’s suspension was met with an internal backlash at the BBC, as many pundits and presenters opted to boycott in solidarity.
After a weekend of stripped back football coverage left the broadcaster red-faced, Lineker was reinstated.