Tim Davie and Deborah Turness to leave the BBC

Director general Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness are both stepping down from the corporation. 

In a note to staff, the DG said his departure was “entirely my decision” and he thanked the chair and board for their “unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days”.

The shock announcement comes after a period of intense political and personal pressure on Davie.

BBC News and Current Affairs has been heavily criticised for the editing of a Donald Trump speech in a Panorama doc, allegations of bias in its coverage of the war in Gaza and criticism over the way it has reported on trans issues.

Davie said: “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.”

He continued: “Our organisation is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector. We should champion it, not weaponise it…I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK.”

Davie added that the timing of his decision was also the result of a desire “to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter”. He continued: “I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC.”

He highlighted the unique value of the BBC and said it should always be open, transparent and accountable.

The DG has spent 20 years working at the corporation and will stay in post for a period to “allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months”.

BBC chair Samir Shah issued a lengthy statement: “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding Director-General for the last five years. He has propelled the BBC forward with determination, single-mindedness and foresight.

“He has had the full support of me and the board throughout. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole board respects the decision and the reasons for it.

“Tim has given 20 years of his life to the BBC. He is a devoted and inspirational leader and an absolute believer in the BBC and public service broadcasting. He has achieved a great deal.

“Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.

“Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humour and resilience and I will miss working with him. I wish him and his family the very best for the future.

“This is an important time for the Corporation and the Board and I will continue to work with Tim in the interim while we conduct the process to appoint his successor.”

Responding to Davie’s resignation, culture secretary Lisa Nandy thanked him for his “service to public service broadcasting over many years”.

She added: “He has led the BBC through a period of significant change and helped the organisation to grip the challenges it has faced in recent years.

“The BBC is one of our most important national institutions. Every day, it tells the story of who we are - the people, places and communities that make up life across the UK. Now more than ever, the need for trusted news and high quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life, and our place in the world.

“As a government, we will support the board as it manages this transition and we will ensure that the Charter Review is the catalyst that helps the BBC to adapt to this new era and secures its role at the heart of national life for decades to come.”

Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport committee, said Davie’s decision is “regrettable given the huge commitment to the BBC and public service broadcasting he has demonstrated during his time at the helm”.

“But, restoring trust in the corporation must come first,” she added. “The BBC board must now begin the long process of rebuilding the corporation’s reputation both at home and abroad, after the damage caused by what has become a seemingly constant stream of crises and missteps.

“The committee will be meeting on Tuesday to consider the BBC chair’s response to our letter and next steps. At the same time the government should bring forward the Charter Review process so the public and parliament can help shape the future direction of the BBC.”