Lee Anderson's new role at GB News has prompted a call for TV regulator Ofcom to investigate the channel. Councillor David Hennigan, who represents the Sutton Central and New Cross ward on Ashfield District Council, has written to broadcasting regulator Ofcom to call on them to investigate GB News after Ashfield MP Lee Anderson was appointed as a programme host and contributor.
The councillor alleged the hiring of the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, as well as the roles of other Conservative MPs employed by the channel, would lead to a lack of impartiality during the upcoming local elections in May. According to Ofcom's rules politicians are allowed to present TV and radio shows, but cannot be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programmes unless it is editorially justified and the political allegiance of that person is made clear to the audience.
However, outside of news programmes, there is no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving politician or candidate from hosting or appearing on a TV or radio show – provided they aren’t standing in an election taking place, or about to take place. This means politicians are allowed to present current affairs programmes, such as audience phone-ins, but they must make sure a range of views are reflected in their programme.
