By Ben Kerrigan-
The Liberal Democrats have formally requested that Ofcom investigate alleged bias in the coverage of the Post Office scandal by GB News, citing concerns over attacks on Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader.
Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader, wrote to Ofcom claiming Mr Farage launched “a fictitious monologue” about Sir Ed which contained “a number of factual inaccuracies” in his show on Tuesday.
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The channel’s presenters, Nigel Farage(pictured) and for Tory cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, launched a series of attacks on the Lib Dem leader for his role as former postal minister.
The party asserts that GB News hosts Nigel Farage and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg exhibited a bias by targeting opposition politicians while overlooking the role of Tory MPs in the scandal.
Labour have accused the Conservatives of trying to sling mud at opposition politicians over the Post Office IT scandal.
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GB News, a relatively new entrant in the media landscape, has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations.
The party specifically claims that Farage and Rees-Mogg failed to adequately address the involvement of Conservative MPs in the Post Office scandal, focusing instead on opposition figures.
Sir Ed Davey has faced criticism for his initial refusal to meet campaigners during his tenure as the minister responsible for the Post Office.
However, the Liberal Democrats contend that GB News’ coverage, particularly a segment hosted by Farage, included factual inaccuracies and denied the party a right of reply, violating Ofcom’s accuracy and impartiality standards.
Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader, expressed concerns about the lack of impartiality in GB News coverage, citing Farage’s “fictitious monologue” and Sir Jacob’s criticism of political leaders from other parties without acknowledging the role of his own party in the scandal.
Cooper highlighted the oversight of the Conservatives in the appointment of ex-Post Office chief Paula Vennells and delays in financial redress for victims.
In a letter to Ofcom, Cooper questioned the impartiality of Lee Anderson, the Tory deputy chair, during his GB News show and emphasized the significance of unbiased reporting, particularly during a general election year.
GB News has faced previous Ofcom investigations related to alleged breaches of the broadcasting code, often involving shows hosted by politicians.
All eyes will now be on GB News will respond to these accusations and address concerns related to its coverage of the unfolding events surrounding the Post Office controversy.
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