Keir Starmer has intervened in the ongoing BBC crisis over Gregg Wallace, blasting his “inappropriate and misogynistic” comments amid calls for MasterChef to be scrapped.
Speaking to the press this morning, the Prime Minister’s spokesman described the controversy as “deeply concerning”.
Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “As we said last week these allegations are obviously deeply concerning.”
“It is right that a thorough investigation is conducted. Obviously that’s for the and the production company.
“But I would add the Culture Secretary spoke with the leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints.
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Greg Wallace poured fuel on the fire this weekend (Image: Getty)
“Clearly the comments that we’ve seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate, misogynistic.
“More broadly as you know the is conducting an independent review into workplace culture, which must deliver clear and timely recommendations.
“It’s essential for staff and the wider public to have confidence that the takes this issue seriously.”
This morning it was reported that the is facing a “mutiny” from its own staff after allegations they knew about accusations against the presenter as far back as 2012.
Coming soon after the Huw Wallace scandal, the corporation is once again facing civil war and scandal, with insiders saying senior staff should have done more to “forcefully intervene”.
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The PM condemned the star’s remarks this morning (Image: Getty)
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants claimed they first made the aware of their concerns in 2012. Now sources have claimed to The Telegraph: “The issue is whether they have the will to pull them up on their behaviour and whether there’s ever any will in these cases, where there’s big name talent or senior leaders involved.”
Conservative chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Caroline Dinenage said: “ bosses appear in front of us on a regular basis and at the next opportunity I’m sure members will want to raise the issue of the complaints process and whether it’s protecting the staff who work there or on its behalf.”
While Labour MP Paul Waugh added: “Both staff and the wider public will want to know whether the Corporation’s processes are fit for purpose. And I hope the director-general will have some answers when he’s next before the Committee.”
Mr Wallace, meanwhile, denies all allegations, with his lawyers stating it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
He further poured fuel on the fire at the weekend, saying the complaints are coming from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.
A spokesperson added: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the will not be tolerated.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been approached for comment following Lisa Nandy’s meeting with the .