Now BBC News director Helen Boaden and deputy Stephen Mitchell 'step aside'

Two more senior BBC staff today 'stepped aside' at the crisis-hit Corporation as the fallout continues after a high-profile botched Newsnight investigation. BBC News director Helen Boaden and her deputy Stephen Mitchell follow Newsnight editor Peter Rippon, who also 'stepped aside' last month following a shelved probe into Jimmy Savile's sex abuse. The move comes just two days after the dramatic resignation of the Corporation's director general George Entwistle on Saturday night after only seven weeks in the job

Developments: BBC News director Helen Boaden (l) and her deputy Stephen Mitchell (r) have 'stepped aside'

Meanwhile BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten was fighting for his job today as it emerged he had known of Newsnight’s disastrous plan to link a senior Tory to child abuse before the show aired. The BBC used the same phrase as when Newsnight editor Peter Rippon 'stepped aside' last month, and it was understood that he remained on full pay and had not been suspended.

 

Under fire: Lord Patten, chairman of the BBC Trust, speaks to the media in central London on Sunday

The Corporation said it will make a proper announcement this morning but will not comment yet. However, presuming the phrase 'stepped aside' retains its meaning in a BBC context, Ms Boaden and Mr Mitchell have not been suspended or resigned - and remain on full pay. Ms Boaden has overall editorial and managerial responsibility for UK-wide and global news and current affairs on radio, television and online. Since April 2009 Ms Boaden, who is paid £354,000 a year, has also overseen the 12 English Regions and 40 local radio stations.  

Out and in: Acting director general of the BBC Tim Davie (right) arrives at New Broadcasting house in central London on Monday morning, after George Entwislte's (left) dramatic resignation on Saturday night

Since April 2011 she has had responsibility for the Global News division, including World Service and BBC World News. She started her journalistic career on campus radio at the University of Sussex. Ms Boaden regularly presented Woman's Hour from Manchester and produced and presented a range of features and documentaries for Radio 4. She is expected to be questioned by Nick Pollard for his investigation into possible failings of BBC management over the axed Newsnight Jimmy Savile investigation.

Source: Daily Mail UK 

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