BBC has 'just four years left' as former star 'counting the days'

A former BBC star is "counting down the days" until they think the broadcasters will be forced to make a major change. BBC Radio presenter, Lee Harris, took to social media to tell the corporation to "enjoy it while it lasts" as he predicted a huge shake up.

His post, which was shared on November 7, read: "Dear BBC, If Reform win the next election, the licence fee is going to be *scrapped* and at the moment that looks EXTREMELY likely to happen. So you have 4 years left. Enjoy it while it lasts. I'm literally counting the days." In another comment, he added: "Their days are numbered," before also sharing: "I want the licence fee scrapped because it's antiquated and unfair." Many of his followers backed him, with one fan writing: "Not just scrapped, the Beeb scrapped, it's assets sold to pay off debt. I'm going to enjoy that." While another added: "Editing the Trump speech was the last straw for me. I'm not paying for any more TV licenses."

The post came just days before the BBC saw a huge shake-up as two of the corporation's biggest bosses stepped down from their positions.

On Sunday evening, Director General Tim Davie and CEO Deborah Turness resigned from their roles after a turbulent week which saw a bias row emerge.

The announcement follows a week of damaging disclosures about the BBC's editorial practices, including the manipulation of a Donald Trump speech in a Panorama documentary and allegations of skewed reporting on the Israel-Hamas war.

The broadcasters are expected to deliver an apology on Monday, but those who tune in to the taxpayer-funded corporation have said that they need to do more.

Mr Davie said it was "entirely his decision" to step back after 20 years at the broadcaster and five years in his current role.

"I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days," he added in a statement.

In his resignation letter, Mr Davie admitted that "mistakes had been made" under his leadership and said "the current debate around BBC News" had "understandably" factored into his decision to step down.

Mr Davie said his departure will not be immediate and that he is "working through" timings to ensure an "orderly transition" over the coming months.