BBC hires bodyguards to protect Laura Kuenssberg at Labour conference after leftie threats

THE BBC has hired bodyguards to protect political editor Laura Kuenssberg at the Labour conference.

It follows a stream of online threats and abuse against the 40-year-old journalist by a Left-wing hate mob.

Ms Kuenssberg has been targeted by sexist trolls who claim she is biased against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The Beeb is insisting she must have personal protection both inside and out of the secure zone at the four-day Brighton rally.

An insider said: “We take the safety of our staff extremely seriously. Laura is a well-known public figure. She and her team will be covering events with big crowds where there can be hostility, so we want to ensure adequate precautions are taken.”

The hatred aimed at Ms Kuenssberg first erupted 18 months ago over her reporting of a botched reshuffle by the Labour leader.

She was bombarded with abuse again when she reported the party’s dismal showing in last year’s local elections.

In June, Lefties jeered Ms Kuenssberg when she questioned Mr Corbyn on the election trail.

More than 35,000 signed an online petition calling for her to be sacked before it was removed by campaign group 38 degrees over “sexist and hateful” abuse.

Last night a BBC spokesman said: “We do not comment on security issues.”