BBC News presenter Martine Croxall has been removed from her presenting duties following a potential breach of impartiality during a broadcast about Boris Johnson's withdrawal from the Conservative leadership race.
During Sunday evening's edition of The Papers, Croxall expressed 'glee' at Johnson's decision not to stand, saying: 'Well this is all very exciting, isn't it? Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am.' The comments drew criticism on social media, including from former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, who accused the BBC of bias.
Croxall also laughed at a guest's comment mocking the former prime minister, acknowledging she was 'probably breaking some terrible due impartiality rule by giggling.' The BBC has launched an urgent review, with a spokesperson stating: 'It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards.'
Croxall will remain off air until the investigation is complete, the PA news agency reported. The incident comes after Channel 4's Krishnan Guru-Murthy was suspended for a week for making an offensive off-camera remark about Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker.
