BBC Faces Backlash for Editing Angela Rayner Interview

Key Part Edited Out

The BBC is facing backlash after revealing it edited out a key part of an Angela Rayner’s interview amid concerns from Labour staffers. Newsnight political editor Nick Watt asked Labour’s deputy if she would quit if found guilty of wrongdoing over the sale of her former council house back in March.

Labour Staffers Express Concerns

The broadcaster attempted to draw a comparison between her position and the one of Sir Keir Starmer, who in 2021 pledged to resign if found guilty of breaking Covid rules. Ms Rayner dodged the question and Labour staffers later complained they did not see how Mr Watt could make a link between the two given she was not under police investigation unlike Sir Keir.

Change in Situation

That exchange did not air until last Friday when Greater Manchester Police said they would investigate Ms Rayner over claims she may have broken electoral law. Mr Watt explained the decision to edit the interview for editorial reasons but later released the full footage due to the change in circumstances.

MP's Criticism

Tory MP Greg Smith criticized the BBC for cutting short the interview to save Angela Rayner's blushes, only to release the full footage after a police investigation was announced. He questioned how the BBC could justify such editing decisions to license fee payers.

BBC's Response

A BBC spokesman stated that when the situation changed, including the police decision to investigate, they broadcasted the full exchange, emphasizing their impartial coverage of the story throughout.