BBC News fires back at bias complaints over Downing Street Christmas party coverage: ‘We take due impartiality very seriously’

The Downing Street Christmas party allegations dominated coverage (Picture: Downing Street)

BBC News has fiercely defended its coverage of the Downing Street Christmas parties after complaints there was ‘too much’ of it.

It is alleged a festive bash took place at Number 10 on December 18 last year, which saw officials and advisers make speeches, enjoy a cheese board, drink together and exchange secret Santa gifts, although the Prime Minister is not thought to have attended.

Boris Johnson’s spokeswoman, Allegra Stratton, quit after being filmed joking about it with fellow aides at a mock press conference.

Many viewers took issue with the amount of output dedicated to the scandal on BBC News, with some branding the corporation as ‘biased and corrupt’.

‘In case anyone still thinks the BBC are not bias just watch #bbcbreakfast and the reports on the Tory Xmas party,’ wrote one.

‘Blanket coverage, nearly all guests are anti Tory, the footage and tone are telling the public Tories are guilty and need punishment or ridicule.’

Allegra Stratton was in tears as she resigned after footage emerged of her joking about a Christmas party held during last year’s lockdown (Picture: PA)

Echoing a similar sentiment, another raged: ‘If you don’t think BBC news is bias and corrupt just look at the coverage of this Downing Steet party and imagine if that had been any other political party.’

Hitting back at the complaints, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘We take our responsibility to report accurately and with due impartiality very seriously and we don’t agree our coverage of the Downing Street party story has been biased or disproportionate.    

‘We believe our coverage has reflected the seriousness of these allegations and how much national interest there is in the story.  

‘We have reported on reactions from within the Conservative Party itself, as well as from other political parties and the public, and the decision by the Metropolitan Police not to investigate.  

‘Our coverage has made clear that the government maintains that no rules were broken.’

More: Boris Johnson

The spokesperson added: ‘BBC News has also reported in detail on other stories such as the resurgence of Covid in the UK with the arrival of the Omicron strain, the government’s Borders Bill and the situation regarding crossings across the Channel; in foreign news we have also reported on Russia’s intentions in Ukraine.’

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