BBC braces for parties' poll carping

The BBC is braced for legal action over its coverage of the general election even before the election has been called.

Sir Christopher Bland, chairman of the BBC's board of governors, told the Broadcasting Press Guild yesterday he expects legal challenges from small parties. He blamed loosely drawn regulations for leaving the way open to parties with a gripe to seek judicial review.

The Referendum Party is already taking legal advice concerning its entitlement to election broadcasts.