Tim Davie resigns as BBC director general amid bias claims

Published: 10 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

In a dramatic shake-up at the heart of British media, Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, has resigned, alongside Deborah Turness, head of BBC News, following accusations of “serious and systemic” bias in the corporation’s coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza, and trans rights. The announcements have sent shockwaves through the broadcaster, which is simultaneously preparing to address claims about the editing of a Trump speech.

Davie, in a statement to staff, described his departure as “entirely my decision” and stressed that the BBC board, led by chair Samir Shah, had offered him “unswerving and unanimous support” throughout his tenure. Nevertheless, he admitted that the ongoing scrutiny contributed to his resignation. “Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable,” he said. “While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”

The resignations come in the wake of criticisms by Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the BBC’s editorial guidelines and standards committee. Prescott, who left his advisory role in the summer, accused the broadcaster of systemic bias, particularly highlighting the way a Panorama episode edited excerpts from a January 2021 Trump speech. The episode suggested the former U.S. president instructed supporters: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.” Critics pointed out that the words were taken from sections of the speech nearly an hour apart, creating a misleading impression of Trump’s intent.

The controversy quickly drew the attention of Trump’s team, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the BBC as “100% fake news” and a “propaganda machine” on social media. Trump himself weighed in, stating that “very dishonest people” had attempted to “step on the scales of a Presidential Election,” adding that they were from a foreign country considered a key ally. Leavitt later referenced the resignations on social media, framing them as a vindication of her complaints.

Inside the BBC, staff expressed a sense of shock and dismay at Turness’s departure, with some describing it as akin to a “coup.” Sources indicated that the resignations were seen as a measure to shield the corporation from further political attacks and to stabilize leadership ahead of critical funding and governance discussions with the UK government.

The BBC has faced a turbulent year marked by multiple controversies, including remarks made by former presenter Gary Lineker, criticism over coverage of a Glastonbury festival performance by rap-punk duo Bob Vylan, and scrutiny over reporting on Gaza. These incidents, combined with Prescott’s allegations, have heightened political and public pressure on the broadcaster.

Samir Shah, chair of the BBC, acknowledged the significance of Davie’s resignation. “He has had the full support of me and the board throughout,” Shah said. “However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole board respects the decision and the reasons for it.”

The Prescott letter, leaked to the Daily Telegraph, also criticised BBC Arabic for featuring contributors with antisemitic views. One contributor reportedly posted online that Jews should be burned “as Hitler did,” while another described Jews as “devils.” The BBC confirmed that the first contributor had since been barred from appearing again. These incidents have intensified scrutiny over editorial oversight within BBC divisions.

Turness, in her departure note, emphasised accountability while refuting claims of general institutional bias. “The ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love,” she wrote. “As the CEO of BBC News and current affairs, the buck stops with me. In public life leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”

Political reactions to the resignations were swift. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the BBC to “turn a new leaf,” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded “top-to-bottom” reform, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the resignations as the corporation’s “last chance” to regain credibility.

Concerns remain among BBC insiders that Prescott’s criticisms may be leveraged by political forces seeking to shift the corporation’s editorial stance. Some point to precedents during Boris Johnson’s government, suggesting an ongoing effort to influence BBC governance and coverage. Prescott and former BBC board member Robbie Gibb, a key figure in his appointment, were reportedly close associates, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Both have denied political motivations behind their actions.

Davie and Turness’s departures mark a pivotal moment in the BBC’s history, raising questions about the broadcaster’s independence, accountability, and editorial direction at a time when trust in traditional media is increasingly fragile. As the BBC navigates the next phase of leadership, observers will be watching closely to see how it balances public accountability with maintaining editorial integrity.