A FORMER BBC News director has criticised the broadcaster's coverage of Reform UK's latest welfare plans branding it "bizarre". He said: "BBC’s coverage of Reform’s welfare plans is frankly bizarre. Headlines in Ten, leading on some radio networks.

"Reform are not even the official opposition and the plans have less credibility than Count Binface. Will BBC News do the same for Lib Dem and Greens policy two years out from an election?"

The plans have not yet been laid out in full by Reform, with the party's treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick announcing this would happen on Monday.

Some on social media have criticised the legitimacy with which the story has been treated when there are still few known details of the plan.

Journalist Barry Malone, a former executive producer for Al Jazeera, posted on Twitter/X claiming the BBC was giving Reform "free publicity".

*Just heard BBC news lead with Reform policy proposal. How is that editorial decision justified three years out from an election for a party that is a) not the official opposition b) has eight seats in parliament c) is no longer leading the polls? Free publicity as usual. *