Russell T Davies slams Tory government as 'abusers and liars' in awards speech

Russell T Davies has issued a strong condemnation of the Conservative government during an awards show speech, referring to the party as "murderers, b*****ds, abusers and liars".

The incoming Doctor Who showrunner spoke about the current political situation while accepting the award for Best TV Drama on behalf of It's a Sin at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, which were televised on Wednesday night.

Read more: It's a Sin leaves Baftas empty-handed

Davies praised Channel 4 and explained its importance as "a public service broadcaster dedicated to making this kind of programme", amid the current government's stated plans to privatise the channel.

He continued: "I know the government’s wounded at the moment, but it’s like a wounded dog. A wounded dog bites everyone. And the rabies will spread. We're still in danger.

"They have said they're selling Channel 4 and they have said they're stopping the licence fee by 2027 and we have to realise that the things the Tories say they will do, they do.

"They’re very good at that. We’re full of doubt, they’re not. They will do this. It is wrong.

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"I know I’m speaking to the converted, but there’s money in this room. And if there’s money in the room, that means there’s Tory voters in the room.

"You are here, and you’re certainly watching at home, so please know that you are voting for murderers, b*****ds, abusers and liars."

Davies has been a vocal supporter of public service broadcasting, claiming that It's a Sin — his acclaimed drama following young LGBT+ people during the AIDS crisis — wouldn't have been made by a privatised channel.

The 59-year-old TV veteran will return to the showrunner job of Doctor Who next year, after shepherding the show's reboot from its 2005 debut until 2010.

Read more: Everything we know about Doctor Who's near future

Current TARDIS-dweller Jodie Whittaker will say goodbye to the lead role when Davies takes over from current head writer Chris Chibnall, with Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa set to play the Doctor.

Transgender actor Yasmin Finney — best known for Netflix series Heartstopper — is set to join Gatwa, playing a character called Rose.

Watch: David Tennant filming return to Doctor Who