BBC director general Tim Davie steps down over Panorama row

'It feels like a coup,' says one BBC source as head of news also quits

- Michael Savage

Tim Davie had already been under pressure this year over a Gaza documentary and live-streaming of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury

(Photograph: PA Images/Alamy)

Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, and the head of BBC News have both resigned after a former adviser to the corporation accused it of “serious and systemic” bias in its coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights.

In an announcement that caused shock in the corporation, Davie said his departure was “entirely my decision”, but it came as the BBC was preparing to apologise for the way it had edited a Trump speech.

Deborah Turness, head of BBC News, also stepped down. It follows claims by the former adviser that the broadcaster suffered from bias.

Sources within BBC News described a mood of dismay at Turness's exit. “It feels like a coup,” one said. “This is the result of a campaign by political enemies of the BBC.”

It is a huge moment for the BBC, as it heads into critical talks with the government over its future and funding. The hunt is now on to fill two of the biggest roles in British media.

The Commons culture, media and sport select committee had set a deadline of today for the BBC to respond to the claims made by Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to its editorial guidelines and standards committee (EGSC). He left that role in the summer.