Ministers look at depoliticising top BBC jobs as Farage rides high in polls

There have been calls for the BBC’s charter to be made permanent so that it no longer has to worry about its future and can concentrate on its output and funding. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA

Ministers are examining plans that would increase the BBC’s independence from politicians, including ending political appointments to its board, as part of crucial talks over the corporation’s future.

The government is to consider overhauling the process by which the BBC has to renew its charter every decade, aiming to place it farther away from the influence of governments.