BBC is not 'trying to ingratiate' itself with Reform, says Davie

The BBC's director general has insisted the corporation is not "trying to ingratiate" itself with Reform UK, as he defended its increased coverage of Nigel Farage's party.

- Michael Savage

Confronted with examples of the BBC's reporting on Reform, which has led the political agenda over the summer, Tim Davie told MPs the broadcaster was having to adapt to the fact that "the landscape politically has changed fundamentally".

While Reform has only four MPs, he said there was an "active discussion" over the level of coverage given to Reform and smaller parties. He pointed to the significant fall in the collective poll share for Labour and the Conservatives, as well as Reform's strong showing at this year's local elections.

"Our only objective is to deliver fair and impartial coverage, and we're always listening when people think we're not delivering that and the balances are wrong," he said. "We have got a challenge in terms of a new landscape. The two parties were 80%, now they're 60%. Meanwhile, it is appropriate we look at the latest election results, polling and Reform.