The presenter, who has worked for the BBC for decades, suggested on air that her comments probably breached her employer’s rules
Martine Croxall has been taken off air by the BBC after "gleefully" reacting to the news Boris Johnson had pulled out of the Tory leadership race.
The presenter was leading the BBC’s review of the paper just minutes after the news broke that Mr Johnson had abandoned his leadership hopes, and opened the show cheerfully by saying “Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am!”, which viewers claimed broke impartiality rules.
The BBC has now taken Croxall off air for an undefined period following the controversial broadcast, the Telegraph understands.
BBC presenter Martine Croxall asks “Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am!”
The news broke just minutes earlier that Boris Johnson had pulled out of the race to become PM.
Some viewers said they’ve complained to Ofcom claiming it breaches BBC impartiality. pic.twitter.com/Av2s8ASfdM
The corporation is also examining the comments for any breach of its strict impartiality guidelines, with a spokesman stating: "BBC News is urgently reviewing last night’s edition of The Papers on the News channel for a potential breach of impartiality.
"It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards.
"We have processes in place to uphold our standards, and these processes have been activated."
Viewers claimed that Ms Croxall strayed beyond impartial rules during the paper review, with some stating they had complained to media watchdog Ofcom about the issue.
Ms Croxall herself, who has worked for the BBC for decades, suggested on air that her comments probably breached her employer’s rules.
Laughing at jibes aimed at Mr Johnson, Ms Croxall said: "I shouldn’t probably [laugh].
"I’m probably breaking some terrible due impartiality rule by giggling."
Ms Croxall later admitted that she was “probably breaking” some of the BBC’s impartiality rules as she laughed at journalist Tony Grew’s mocking of Boris Johnson.
Also on the panel reviewing the papers was @Telegraph’s own @camillahmturner.
BBC have been approached for comment. pic.twitter.com/H2eFSc1pk2
The broadcaster’s strict impartiality memo to staff reads: "The BBC is committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output. This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences.
"The term ‘due’ means that the impartiality must be adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation."
It adds that "due impartiality usually involves more than a simple matter of ‘balance’ between opposing viewpoints", but says "it does not require absolute neutrality on every issue or detachment from fundamental democratic principles, such as the right to vote, freedom of expression and the rule of law".
Viewers claimed this breached the BBC’s impartiality rules.
On Oct 2, the BBC received 102 complaints about Laura Kuenssberg’s new Sunday politics show, with the main issue being bias against Liz Truss.
The interview was during the Tory Party conference in Birmingham.
A month earlier, on the launch date of the show, the broadcaster received 144 complaints for the same reason.
This was the episode which featured comedian Joe Lycett sarcastically cheering and lauding Ms Truss.
An episode on Sep 2 of Have I Got News For You which was heavily critical of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson received 307 complaints.
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