Complaint
The programme included an interview with the then leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice. A viewer considered this inappropriate on the day after the announcement of a general election and that it was indicative of bias that Reform featured more prominently than parties such as the Greens and the Liberal Democrats. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 91Èȱ¬â€™s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
Mr Tice’s appearance in the programme was particularly relevant because Nigel Farage had announced earlier that day that he would neither stand for Parliament nor take on the leadership of Reform – an announcement which, though superseded by events, was of considerable political significance at the time. The ECU therefore did not agree that his inclusion in the programme was inappropriate, or that it was indicative of bias against other parties.
Not Upheld