Yahoo News BBC presenter sacked over plans to oust Jacob Rees-Mogg at the next General Election
A BBC presenter and comedian has been sacked by the broadcaster after he announced his intention to stand against Jacob-Rees Mogg at the next election.
Dr Phil Hammond, who was the host of BBC Radio Bristol’s Saturday Surgery and Music Group on Radio 4, said he planned to contest the North East Somerset seat currently held by the prominent Tory backbencher.
However, just 10 hours after he announced his decision to stand as a candidate for the National Health Action Party, Dr Hammond took to Twitter to announce that he had been sacked.
Well that was quick. I’ve been sacked by @bbcrb for announcing my intention to stand for @NHAparty against @Jacob_Rees_Mogg. Thanks @thinktwink @RMegi, the loyal listeners & the fabulous team at Dr Phil’s Saturday Surgery. It’s been a hugely enjoyable 12 years.
— Dr Phil Hammond (@drphilhammond) August 21, 2018
He wrote: ‘Well that was quick. I’ve been sacked by BBC Radio Bristol for announcing my intention to stand for the National Health Action Party against Jacob Rees-Mogg.’
Dr Phil, who also presented Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, previously stood for election in 1992 when he tried to unseat Conservative MP William Waldegrave, the Health Secretary at the time.
Explaining Dr Phil’s sacking, a BBC spokesperson told Yahoo News UK: ‘Impartiality is at the heart of our journalism.
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‘Active political involvement is an area covered by our editorial guidelines.’
‘Standing as a candidate in an election is a conflict of interest and someone seeking election is unable to continue in this type of editorial role.’
Mr Rees-Mogg secured 53% of the vote in the 2017 General Election and he has become a leading figure in the fight to ensure Brexit is delivered.
His role as chairman of the European Research Group and prominent media profile have seen his popularity soar, with many tipping hi as a future Prime Minister.
