Ex-Culture Secretary condemns former Labour MP James Purnell’s appointment as BBC radio chief
John Whittingdale MP, has claimed the ex-Labour MP’s appointment should prompt “howls of outrage”, and that it sets a “very dangerous precedent” for the organisation’s impartiality
NEW BBC radio boss James Purnell was facing mounting pressure to quit last night after a fellow former Culture Secretary claimed the ex-Labour MP’s appointment should prompt “howls of outrage”.
Tory John Whittingdale blasted his predecessor, claiming his promotion was setting a “very dangerous precedent” that flouts the organisation’s rules of impartiality.
Mr Purnell will become one of the most powerful execs at the Beeb when current radio boss Helen Boaden steps down after 34 years on October 31.
He is currently director of strategy and education - on a whopping £295,000 a year salary.
He quit as Labour Culture Secretary in 2009 and stood down as an MP in 2010.
Mr Whittingdale was speaking from the backbenches after leaving the Cabinet in July.
In an astonishing Commons broadside, he voiced concerns that Mr Purnell’s powerful new role would give him too much influence on editorial decisions at the corporation.
And he warned it could get worse as Mr Purnell is being “groomed” to become the BBC’s next “chief editor” when director-general Lord Hall steps down.
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Speaking as MPs debated the draft agreement for the BBC’s next royal charter, Mr Whittingdale said: “As director of radio he has the overall responsibility for the output of a large amount of BBC content and it’s impossible to say he has no involvement in editorial decisions.
“Indeed, we’re told that actually he is being groomed as a potential candidate to be director-general, a position which, of course, is also that of chief editor of the BBC.
“I have absolutely no doubt about James Purnell’s commitment to the impartiality of the BBC, in the same way that I’m absolutely committed to the impartiality of the BBC.
“But I merely point out that if I was to be invited in a few years time to take on a management role in the BBC as a former secretary of state, I suspect that despite the support I may enjoy from some on my own side it would give rise to howls of outrage and I don’t think it’d be appropriate.
“Therefore, I do think - and this is not to criticise James Purnell - it does establish a very dangerous precedent which is far more of a direct threat to the independence than the non-executive independent directors.”
Shockingly because the ex-Labour politician is so inexperienced, broadcasting chiefs are hiring another Director of Radio on an expected salary of up to £150k to help the £295,000 a year head of radio on a “day-in-day out” basis.