GP sacked from radio show after revealing MP plans

Medic and broadcaster Dr Phil Hammond says he has been fired from his BBC radio show just hours after announcing his plans to run for Parliament against Jacob Rees-mogg. The physician, 56, will be a candidate for the National Health Action Party (NHA) in North East Somerset. But Dr Hammond says he was sacked from his mid-morning Saturday show on BBC Radio Bristol soon after tweeting his plans. The health campaigner says he only expected to be off air during ‘purdah’ - the period before an election. Posting on Twitter after the sacking on Tuesday evening, he said: “Well that was quick. “I’ve been sacked by @bbcrb (Radio Bristol) for announcing my intention to stand for @Nhaparty against @Jacob_rees_mogg. Thanks @thinktwink @Rmegi, the loyal listeners and fabulous team at Dr Phil’s Saturday Surgery. It’s been a hugely enjoyable 12 years. “I told the head of @bbcrb I was considering standing and she thought I would only have to come off air during purdah. And I announced it on @BBCONE @bbcsml (Sunday Morning Live) a month ago. So why they should sack me now is odd. Anyone here can see what my politics are. I thought transparency was good.” Under the requirements of the BBC’S Charter Agreement, it must not give candidates any “unfair advantage”. A spokesperson for the BBC in Bristol said: “Impartiality is at the heart of our journalism. “Active political involvement is an area covered by our editorial guidelines. Standing as a candidate in an election is a conflict of interest and someone seeking election is unable to continue in this type of editorial role,” she added. Dr Hammond is a regular face on TV after presenting five series of Trust Me, I’m a Doctor on BBC2 and Music Group on Radio 4. The NHA campaigns for renationalisation of privatised parts of the NHS and for improvements to NHS funding. Dr Hammond wrote earlier on Tuesday: “Honoured to announce that @Nhaparty have endorsed me as their prospective Parliamentary candidate for North East Somerset. As a believer in progressive alliances, I will stand aside if a stronger candidate declares.” Jacob Rees-mogg, head of the Hard Brexit-supporting ERG group, has threatened to block Theresa May’s Brexit plans in parliament.