BBC board member with Tory links ‘led charge’ in systemic bias claims, say insiders

It is understood that one board member who was supportive of the BBC’s editorial efforts was away for last week’s meeting, in which more pressure was placed on Deborah Turness. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

A BBC board member with links to the Conservative party “led the charge” in pressuring the corporation’s leadership over claims of systemic bias in coverage of Donald Trump, Gaza and transgender rights, the Guardian has been told.

Sources said Robbie Gibb, Theresa May’s former communications chief who was appointed to the BBC’s board during Boris Johnson’s time as prime minister, amplified the criticisms in key board meetings that preceded the shock resignation of the director general, Tim Davie, and the head of BBC News, Deborah Turness.