Labour files official complaint about BBC 'orchestrating' Doughty resignation

"By the BBC's own account, BBC journalists and presenters proposed and secured the resignation of a shadow minister on air in the immediate run-up to Prime Minister's Questions, apparently to ensure maximum news and political impact," the spokesman said.

"That was evidently done before any notice of resignation was sent to the Labour leader.

"Such orchestration of political controversy is an unacceptable breach of the BBC's role and statutory obligations."

The dramatic resignation came as Mr Corbyn was engaged in the third day of a protracted reshuffle of his team. Mr Doughty told the programme he was quitting in protest at the sacking of shadow Europe minister Pat McFadden, and also cited policy differences with the leader. Two other ministers also announced their departure around the same time.

In a since-deleted blog post for the BBC's Journalism Academy, the Daily Politics output editor, Andrew Alexander, explained how political editor Laura Kuenssberg had "sealed the deal" for Mr Doughty to resign live on air.

The details sparked a furious response from Labour activists on Twitter, although the BBC has strongly defended the way the story was handled.

"Stephen Doughty had already decided to resign and willingly chose to make his announcement on the programme," a spokesman said.

Mr Doughty has also accused Mr Corbyn's senior aides of "smearing" him, and insisted he sent his resignation letter to the leader before appearing on TV.

Mr Corbyn's spokesman said: "Trust in the impartiality and independence of the BBC is essential. The BBC's role is to report the news impartially, rather than seek to influence events or promote a particular political narrative."

In an article for the Daily Mirror, Mr Corbyn bemoaned the extensive media coverage of his reshuffle, arguing that his intention had been "securing a stronger Labour leadership team".

"While it was going on, we were holding the Government to account on floods, Europe and its support for Saudi Arabia," he said.

"Holding the Government to account is our first priority."

The BBC's editor of live political programmes, Robbie Gibb, denied there had been any breach of impartiality rules.

In a letter responding to the complaint filed by Mr Corbyn's communications director Seumas Milne, Mr Gibb wrote: "I reject your suggestion that we orchestrated and stage-managed the resignation of Stephen Doughty.

"As he himself confirmed on Friday, Mr Doughty had decided to resign his front-bench position on Wednesday morning, before speaking to any journalists. He subsequently spoke to Laura Kuenssberg who asked if he would explain his reasons in an interview on the Daily Politics later that morning. Neither the programme production team, nor Laura, played any part in his decision to resign."

Mr Gibb stressed there was nothing wrong with the BBC seeking to break stories. "It is true that we seek to make maximum impact with our journalism which is entirely consistent with the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and values," he said.

"Your letter suggests that our decision to interview Mr Doughty in the run up to Prime Minister's Questions was designed to 'promote a particular political narrative'. This is simply not the case.

"The Daily Politics does not come on air until 11.30am on Wednesdays and the BBC's Political Editor always appears live on the programme in the build up to the start of PMQs. As the confirmation of Mr Doughty's resignation was Laura Kuenssberg's story, we felt it appropriate for her to introduce the item. Again I do not accept, in anyway, the programme has breached its duty of impartiality and independence."

Mr Gibb also said he initially thought the BBC Academy blog had been for "internal purposes only".

"When it became apparent that it had been published more widely, we decided to delete it as the piece was written in a tone that was only suitable for an internal audience. No other inference should be drawn from our decision to delete the blog," he added.