Nigel Farage breaks silence on Tim Davie's BBC resignation with savage 6-word warning

Nigel Farage warned "this is the BBC's last chance" after the resignation of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness. The Reform UK leader said: "Davie and Turness going must be the start of wholesale change.

"The Government need to appoint somebody with a record of coming in and turning companies and their cultures around. Preferably, it would be someone coming in from the private sector who has run a forward-facing business and understands PR. This is the BBC's last chance. If they don't get this right, there will be vast numbers of people refusing to pay the licence fee."

Tim Davie announced he was resigning as director-general of the BBC in a note sent to staff on Sunday afternoon.

Deborah Turness, chief executive of BBC News, has also resigned, the corporation said.

Mr Davie's note to staff said: "I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years," he said.

"This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.

"I am working through exact timings with the board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months."

Tim Davie's message to staff said he had to take "ultimate responsibility" for mistakes.

"In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us.

"It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious.

"Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.

"While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.

"Overall the BBC is delivering well but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility."