The BBC has been plunged into yet another impartiality row after a Radio Four presenter was caught saying on air ‘I like Wes Streeting’, leading viewers to raise concerns over a Labour-bias.
The blunder occurred following an interview with the Royal College of Nursing’s leader Pat Cullen about the upcoming nurses strikes.
The Radio 4 presenter, believed to be Simon Jack, unaware his microphone was still on, could be heard stating his fondest for Labour’s shadow health secretary.
Mr Streeting, who has held the position since 2021, earlier this week said he refused to back strike action by nurses which would see nurses dropping safeguards on patient safety.
The microphone mishap occurred as a report on the fierce fighting taking place across Sudan had began.
The Radio 4 presenter, believed to be Simon Jack (pictured), unaware his microphone was still on, could be heard stating his fondest for Labour’s shadow health secretary
Shadow health secretary (pictured with Labour leader Kier Starmer) earlier this week said he refused to back strike action by nurses which would see nurses dropping safeguards on patient safety
The BBC’s Mayeni Jones was heard saying ‘Across Sudan people have had to adjust their plans for Eid’ when a louder voice spoke over him claiming ‘I like Wes Streeting’.
Radio 4 listeners were quick to point out the error, with viewers in two minds over whether it was Mr Jack or the other presenter, Justin Webb.
Labour MP Diane Abbott, who served in the cabinet under the party’s former leader Jeremy Corbyn, wrote: ‘Justin Webb says just now (unaware his mic is on) “I like Wes Streeting”‘.
Others, however, corrected her claiming it was Mr Jack speaking. One said: ‘BBC Radio 4 mic not switched off. “I like Wes Streeting.” Sounded like Simon Jack.’
Another said: ‘Did I just here Simon Jack say “I like Wes Streeting” on BBC Radio 4 Today when he thought his microphone was off?’
Other listeners said the accident brought into question the BBC’s impartiality rules.
One said: ‘Bizarre moment on BBC Radio 4 Today as Simon Jack says “I like Wes Streeting” when he thinks his mic is off.
Mr Streeting has been the shadow health and social care secretary since November 2021
Radio Four listeners were quick to point out the mistake this morning, with many speculating which presenter it was
‘Surely a bigger breach of impartiality than Lineaker supporting refugees?’
Another joked: ‘After the “I like Wes Streeting” slip on Radio 4 Today, I’m wondering how they will “balance”: listening very carefully.’
A third added: ‘Simon Jack saying “I like Wes Streeting” on BBC Radio 4 Today in an inadvertent off air comment.
‘Presumably Justin Webb had said “I hate Wes Streeting” or “I like Steve Barclay” to maintain BBC’s famous impartiality?’
Mr Jack has been the BBC’s business editor since 2016, having worked as a reporter for the broadcaster since 2003.
Labour MP Diane Abbott, who served in the cabinet under the party’s former leader Jeremy Corbyn, Tweeted the blunder claiming it was presenter Justin Webb that made the mistake – but others were quick to suggest it was Mr Jack instead
Listeners said the accident brought into question the BBC’s impartiality rules, leading to questions of a Labour-bias
Alongside this, he regularly presents the business slots for Radio 4’s Today programme, and more recently he has been co-hosting the morning news show.
Last month, the BBC was enthralled in another impartiality row, after Match Of The Day Host, and former football player, Gary Lineker, 62, was taken off air for a tweet comparing the language used to launch the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill with 1930s Germany.
It show a backlash from BBC staff with hosts and pundits refusing to take part in the nation’s flagship football show until Mr Lineker was allowed back on air.
As a result the BBC performed a U-turn, even apologising to the former football player as well as vowing to review its social media guidelines.
The BBC has been contacted for a statement.
