Ex-Labour minister James Purnell bags top job as BBC radio chief on £295k salary
But the Beeb have been forced to hire another Director of Radio because of his inexperience
Former Labour minister James Purnell has been appointed the BBC’s new radio boss - sparking a row over impartiality.
But because he is so inexperienced, Beeb chiefs are hiring another Director of Radio on an expected salary of up to £150k to help the £295k a year head of radio on a “day-in-day out” basis.
Last night outraged Tory MPs hit out at the move as a waste of taxpayers’ cash and raised questions of bias.
MP Andrew Bridgen said yesterday: “I wonder how many other candidates were considered for this role?
"I am not sure what other qualifications he has on his CV which make him fit for this job?”
And he added: “I think another left winger at the BBC comes as no surprise to anyone.
“His position previously held as director of strategy a role created for him. It all looks very incestuous.
“I do worry about the potential political bias. The BBC is in a very important position.
“It will raise questions about that in the run up to the next general election.”
Mr Purnell, an ex Culture minister under Tony Blair, will take charge of the radio, education, arts, music, learning and children’s departments.
A BBC press release confirmed they would be hiring a director of radio to “give creative leadership and focus day-in-day out” - but said the salary band hadn’t yet been decided.
However, heads of department in radio can earn up to £150,000 a year.
Related Stories
He will start his position on October 31 when current radio boss steps down after 34 years.
Respected radio critic Gillian Reynolds has described Mr Purnell as a “King in waiting” at the BBC.
The promotion makes Mr Purnell one of the most powerful executives at the Beeb - and in line for the top job when Lord Hall steps down.
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley recently confirmed that under the corporation’s new 11-year royal charter, it will be required to disclose the pay of staff and “talent” earning more than £150,000 a year.
Lord Hall said that with the new charter “all but done”, he needed “the right top team in place, with the right responsibilities, to deliver just that”.