BBC in bias row as Jeremy Corbyn’s defender in TV leaders’ debate is exposed as Labour activist
AN audience member who jumped to Jeremy Corbyn’s defence in the BBC TV leaders’ debate was a Labour activist.
Liam Shrivastava backed the leader on Friday over his “neutral” Brexit stance.
He wrongly claimed the decision echoed Labour PM Harold Wilson’s 1975 Europe referendum stance, despite Wilson writing to every UK home to urge Brits to vote to remain in the European Community.
Shrivastava sits on the committee of his local Labour party in South London.
He told viewers that the Labour chief was “the only person actually who has a clear strategy, grown up sensible strategy is this man right here Jeremy Corbyn”.
The Labour leader then commented on a video clip of the outburst saying “well said”.
His presence deepened bias claims against the Beeb after Mr Johnson was interrupted 45 times in the debate and Mr Corbyn just 11 times.
Tory ex-minister David Jones said: “The BBC has a duty to ensure the audience represent the public rather than posing as the public when really they’re party activists.”
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said: “It was a hostile audience and serious questions need to be asked about selecting those who make up the audience.
"Ironically, Boris came through and was in control.”
Shrivastava said: “For the conspiracists: No, I’m not a plant.
“Yes, I’m a Labour activist and proud because only Labour can deliver the change that this country so desperately needs.”
The BBC denied bias over its audience selection.
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