Ex-BBC figure says culture of distrust led to two recent top resignations

A "toxic mix" of overassertive BBC board members and executives feeling under siege contributed to the resignations of its two most senior editorial leaders, an influential former BBC figure has said.

- Michael Savage

A bitter row is still raging over the events that led up to the resignations of the director general, Tim Davie, and Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News.

They resigned after disputed accusations of "systemic problems" at the BBC by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser. His memo, outlining his concerns about reporting over Donald Trump, Gaza and trans issues, was leaked to the Daily Telegraph.

Mark Damazer, a former deputy director of BBC News who has been touted as a figure who could help the corporation through the current crisis, pointed to a toxic culture of distrust at senior levels.

Damazer said he did not believe there had been any malign intent by Robbie Gibb, the BBC board member and Theresa May's former communications chief, who has been accused of pushing concerns of liberal bias.

However, he said there had been a lack of self-reflection by some board members about how to conduct their role overseeing the BBC.