BBC director general Tim Davie and BBC News boss Deborah Turness have resigned from the corporation.
It comes following concerns about impartiality, including how a speech by US President Donald Trump was edited in an episode of Panorama.
The concerns were over clips spliced together from sections of Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021 to make it appear he told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to “fight like hell” in the documentary Trump: A Second Chance?, which was broadcast by the BBC the week before last year’s US election.
Announcing his resignation Davie said: “In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious.
NEW: Tim Davie resignation email to staff.
“You will ask why now? why this moment?” pic.twitter.com/dTTJegMe35
— Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) November 9, 2025
“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.
“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
In her letter of resignation, Turness said the “ongoing controversy” around the edition of Panorama “has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love”.
She added: “As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me – and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the Director-General last night.
“In public life leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
BBC Chair, Samir Shah said it was “a sad day for the BBC” and praised Davie for being an “outstanding Director-General for the last five years”.
This is a developing news story.
