BBC staff must declare political ties

THE BBC has tightened up its rules governing staff involvement with political parties.

A document, "Conflict of Interests", has been sent to all BBC staff ordering all employees to make an annual declaration of any financial or political interests that might affect their impartiality.

In the past, BBC staff had to make a simple declaration about their political activities when they joined the corporation. They were then informally required to tell managers if they decided to run for office.

"All members of staff are allowed to join political parties," said a BBC spokeswoman yesterday. "But if they wish to become more active they are now advised to consult their manager or the chief political adviser and they will be given advice on an individual basis."

The new rules will mainly have an impact on staff in sensitive positions, such as political reporters, who could be transferred to another job if they stood for election.

The move is said to have been triggered by the furoreabout the reporter Ben Bradshaw standing for a seat in Exeter in the last general election.