AN SNP MP has said he “turned the tables” on a BBC presenter amid a discussion about the resignation of Richard Sharp.
The former chairman of the broadcaster resigned on Friday following the publication of a report which found he had broken the corporation’s code on public appointments.
He said he quit to “prioritise the interests” of the BBC feeling that “this matter may well be a distraction from the Corporation’s good work” were he to remain in post.
Shortly after the announcement, the SNP’s John Nicolson appeared on BBC News to discuss Sharp’s resignation.
This BBC News presenter hasn't quite understood the distinction between challenging an interviewee ie me (which is ok) and defending the indefensible ie #RichardSharp (which isn't his job). So - I thought I'd turn the tables on him. Have a watch. https://t.co/hnn2EF2hIf
— JOHN NICOLSON M.P. (@MrJohnNicolson) April 28, 2023
He was asked by the newsreader: “He has not proven to have done anything wrong over this alleged loan and nor has he been shown to have done anything wrong while he was Chairman of the BBC.”
Nicolson replied: “So why has he resigned?”
The MP re-tweeted the short clip on his social media and said: “This BBC News presenter hasn’t quite understood the distinction between challenging an interviewee i.e. me (which is ok) and defending the indefensible i.e. #RichardSharp (which isn’t his job).
“So I thought I’d turn the tables on him. Have a watch.”
Nicolson also hit out at the main BBC News programme which aired at 6pm on Friday for not having an SNP voice to discuss the issue.
He said: “Quite wrong that the BBC News at 6pm has no @theSNP voice on the #RichardSharp story (not least since I’ve led the criticism of his appointment). Labour interviewed.
“But inexplicably not asked if it would change the cosy relationship between party donations & top jobs.”
READ MORE: Scotland’s golden age of inclusive media was filmed in black and white
Although BBC News did not have a voice from the SNP, Nicolson himself did make an appearance on Reporting Scotland at 6.30pm.
He told the broadcaster he never thought Richard Sharp should have been “appointed in the first place”.
A BBC spokesperson said: “BBC News has covered this story extensively across its outlets and featured a range of views and voices, including John Nicolson’s.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel