BBC host Carol Vorderman has claimed she has been sacked by the broadcaster over her public criticism of the U.K. government.
On Wednesday afternoon local time Vorderman published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming management at BBC Wales had “decided I must leave” because she had breached the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines with her social media posts.
Vorderman, who rose to fame on Channel 4 gameshow “Countdown,” has presented an entertainment show on BBC Radio Wales for five years. She has been outspoken in her criticism of the U.K. Government, in particular of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on social media and in interviews.
BBC director general Tim Davie has been an ardent champion of impartiality at the broadcaster although it is a philosophy that is applied patchily across the corporation’s many employees and freelancers. Last month the BBC introduced new social media guidelines following controversy over sports anchor Gary Lineker, who was accused of breaching impartiality rules due to political content he had posted on Twitter. Lineker was asked to temporarily “step back” from soccer show “Match of the Day” following the controversy before eventually returning some weeks later.
The new rules require lead anchors on the BBC to “respect” impartiality while their shows are on the air and in the two weeks before and after they are broadcast. This includes endorsing and criticizing political parties or the “character” of U.K. politicians as well as commenting on political issues during elections and formally working for campaigning or fundraising groups. Contributors, pundits, judges and guest hosts will not be bound by the new rules.
The BBC did not respond to queries regarding whether Vorderman had been fired due to breaching impartiality rules. A spokesperson said: “Carol has been a presenter on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. We’d like to thank her for her work and contribution to the station over the past five years.”
Read Vorderman’s full statement below:
After five years, I’m leaving my Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Wales.
The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However, despite my show being lighthearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines would apply to all and any content that I post all year round.
Since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social media, change who I am or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil this country finds itself in.
My decision has been to continue to criticise the current U.K. government for what it has done to the country which I love — and I’m not prepared to stop. I was brought up to fight for what I believe in and I will carry on.
Consequently I have now breached the new guidelines and BBC Wales management have decided I must leave. We each must make our decisions.
I’m sad to leave the wonderful friends I’ve made at Radio Wales. I wish them, and all of our listeners, all the love in the world. We laughed a lot and we will miss each other dearly. But for now, another interesting chapter begins.
