Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has launched an extraordinary broadside against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of a 'staggering lack of professionalism' following a contentious interview with Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy.
The Business Secretary took to social media platform X to voice her fury after BBC Radio 4's Today programme interviewed Ms Nandy about comments made by a Tory donor, but failed to challenge her on Labour's own funding sources.
Minister's Explosive Social Media Outburst
In a series of blistering posts, Mrs Badenoch didn't hold back: 'The BBC's lack of professionalism is staggering,' she declared. 'If you invite a politician to talk about party funding, it is basic journalism to ask about their own party's funding. This is not about bias - it's about basic competence.'
The minister specifically targeted BBC journalist Amol Rajan, suggesting the interview represented poor journalistic standards rather than political bias.
Interview Sparks Political Firestorm
The controversy erupted after Ms Nandy was interviewed about Frank Hester's reported comments regarding MP Diane Abbott. According to reports, the Tory donor allegedly said Ms Abbott made him 'want to hate all black women' and that the MP 'should be shot.'
However, Mrs Badenoch and other Conservative figures argue the BBC failed in its duty to provide balanced reporting by not questioning Ms Nandy about Labour's own financial backers during the same segment.
Growing Tensions Between Government and BBC
This incident represents the latest flashpoint in the increasingly strained relationship between the Conservative government and the national broadcaster. The BBC now faces mounting pressure from multiple directions:
- Accusations of unprofessional conduct from senior ministers
- Questions about interview preparation and research standards
- Broader concerns about political balance in reporting
- Growing scrutiny of editorial decision-making processes
As the row continues to develop, all eyes remain on how the BBC will respond to these serious allegations from one of the government's most senior ministers.
