Ivan Lewis – 2010 Comments on Chris Patten Chairing the BBC Trust

The comments made by Ivan Lewis, the then Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, on 23 December 2010.

We note the rumours which are circulating about favoured candidates for the chairmanship of the BBC Trust.

At a time when the independence of the BBC is threatened by the ill concealed hostility of David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt, it is essential that the new chairman is above accusations of political bias.

If the Conservative led government is serious about new politics, no appointment should be confirmed until the favoured candidate is scrutinised by the DCMS Select Committee.