Have I Got News For You shelved due to election rules
THE BBC pulled last night’s episode of Have I Got News For You, as the broadcaster said it would have been “inappropriate” for guest Heidi Allen, the Change UK leader, to be featured on TV ahead of the European elections.
The comedy quiz show, which airs on BBC One and grills guests on the week’s top stories, tweeted shortly before the pre-recorded programme was due to air that it had been withdrawn.
The broadcaster referred to its editorial guidelines after they announced the episode of the show would be broadcast at a later date.
In a tweet, Have I Got News For You’s official account said: “Sorry everyone. The BBC has pulled tonight’s edition of #HIGNFY – no, we didn’t book Danny Baker. We booked Heidi Allen, a member of a party no one knows the name of (not even the people in it), because the Euro elections, which nobody wants, may or may not be happening.”
On Twitter, Ms Allen wrote: “Maybe I’m just not as funny as Nigel Farage eh #hignfy @haveigotnews!? He’s so funny, he seems to be on the BBC all the time! An explanation would be appreciated, not least to acknowledge the hard work of the entire crew who worked diligently to put the show together.”
A BBC statement said: “The BBC has specific editorial guidelines that apply during election periods.
“Because of this, it would be inappropriate to feature political party leaders on entertainment programmes during this short election period, which does not allow for equal representation to be achieved. We will look to broadcast this episode at a later date.”
Dominic Grieve, the arch-remainer, is fighting for his political career after Tory activists collected enough signatures to make him face a deselection vote next month.
A formal notice calling for a deselection vote has been submitted by 66 Beaconsfield activists – more than the 50 required under the party’s rules. The vote must be held within 28 days and – if passed – it would mean that Mr Grieve would have to quit at the next general election.