A SENIOR BBC journalist has announced he turned down a job working for Theresa May.
Diplomatic editor James Landale yesterday revealed he rejected an approach to work as the Prime Minister’s head of communications.
Landale, who previously served as in the corporation’s as a political journalist, said it was “nice to be asked,” but that he had “decided not to apply” for the role.
He was tipped as a frontrunner for the job, which is currently vacant, alongside BBC head of live political programming Robbie Gibb. However, Landale has now ruled himself out after saying he is happy in his current role.
Landale wrote on Twitter: “Parish news: I was asked if I would consider a job at No10. Nice to be asked but have decided not to apply. Have great job at BBC.”
Pete Wishart, the SNP MP, said the reports reflected perceived concerns over BBC impartiality.
“There is an issue here in terms of the perception over BBC impartiality that two of its senior journalists are being connected to a role working so closely with Theresa May,” he said.
The Downing Street director of communications role has been vacant since Katie Perrior resigned shortly before the General Election. She became the first of several key May aides to walk out after the disastrous election result, and was followed by the Prime Minister’s joint chiefs of staff, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill.
May’s press secretary, Lizzie Loudon, also left and has since been replaced by former Sun journalist Craig Woodhouse.
Landale attended Eton at a similar time to David Cameron and later spent ten years at The Times. He moved to the BBC in 2003 and was made deputy political editor in 2009.
Downing Street have reportedly told the Guardian both he and Gibb had been interviewed for a job. The latter leads the BBC’s political team in Westminster, overseeing the Daily and Sunday Politics programmes.
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