Finding freedom: BBC exodus continues

Will the last BBC presenter to leave please turn out the lights? Lewis Goodall of Newsnight is the latest star to leave W1A, joining the Beeb tribute act over at Global Radio, owners of LBC. In recent months, other stars to have made such a journey include Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, Andrew Marr, Eddie Mair and producer Dino Sofos. Such a move means, in the words of the Guardian’s Jim Waterson, ‘More money, more editorial freedom, less scrutiny.’

Departing the BBC means that Goodall is, at last, free to share his political views that have been so well-concealed to date. The former Labour political activist has had more than his share of controversies since taking up his Newsnight post. They include multiple rows with the Mail on Sunday about his ‘anti-government’ bias on Twitter and likening Boris Johnson to Enoch Powell, which prompted ministers to threaten a boycott of his show.