Complaint
This bulletin contained a report on Nigel Farage and the ownership of a house in Clacton. A viewer complained it was a “non-story” and showed bias against the leader of Reform UK. The ECU considered the complaints against the standards for impartiality set out in the BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
Journalists are entitled to decide which stories to cover and how. In this case, Mr Farage faced public questions about whether he or his partner had purchased a house in Clacton. There was a clear public interest in hearing Mr Farage’s response to allegations made by his political opponents. The news report in question summarised the issue, explained the political relevance and included a substantial contribution from Mr Farage himself.
Not Upheld