Kimenuka mabosi BBC

The BBC’s head of news Helen Boaden and her deputy Steve Mitchell have “stepped aside” amid the ongoing crisis at the corporation.

The BBC’s head of news Helen Boaden and her deputy Steve Mitchell 

 

Helen Boaden, head of news, is reported to have "stepped aside" as the BBC is investigated over errors on their flagship programme Newsnight.

Her deputy, Steve Mitchell, has taken the same action.

BBC sources claim "stepping aside" is not the same as resigning or being sacked, with a spokeswoman saying there will be a formal announcement "within hours".

Ms Boaden and Mr Mitchell have been asked to surrender their responsibilities pending the results of the Pollard inquiry.

Fran Unsworth, head of Newsgathering, and Ceri Thomas, editor of the Today Programme, will take up the temporary roles in the interim.

Director of BBC Scotland Ken MacQuarrie announced the changes this morning, warning "disciplinary action" would be taken if appropriate. 

A spokesman said: "To address the lack of clarity around the editorial chain of command, a decision has been taken to re-establish a single management to deal with all output, Savile related or otherwise. 

"Helen Boaden has decided that she is not in a position to undertake this responsibility until the Pollard review has concluded. 

"During this period Fran Unsworth will act as Director of News. In line with this decision, Ceri Thomas will act on a temporary basis as Deputy Director in place of Stephen Mitchell." 

Karen O’Connor will also take on the role of Acting Editor of Newsnight. 

The developments come just two days after Director General George Entwistle resigned under growing pressure as a result of the Newsnight scandals.

 

^{Former BBC Director General, George Entwistle (PA)}

^Telegraph