Toxic culture of distrust at BBC led to recent resignations, former deputy director says

Mark Damazer says over-assertive board and executives feeling ‘embattled’ played into departures of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness

A “toxic mix” of over-assertive BBC board members and executives feeling under siege contributed to the resignations of its two most senior editorial leaders, an influential former BBC figure has warned.

A bitter row is still raging over the events that led up to the resignations of the director general, Tim Davie, and Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News.

The pair resigned after disputed accusations of “systemic problems” at the BBC by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser. His memo, outlining his concerns about reporting over Donald Trump, Gaza and trans issues, was leaked to the Daily Telegraph.

Mark Damazer, a former deputy director of BBC News who has been touted as a figure who could help the corporation through the current crisis, pointed to a toxic culture of distrust at the top of the broadcaster.