Question Time boss quits over plans to move the show to Glasgow
Reports this morning suggest that the editor of Question Time has resigned because of BBC plans to move production of the show to Glasgow.
Ed Harvard told the BBC decision of his week. Employed by independent production firm Mentorn – which makes the programme – Harvard nevertheless reports to BBC bosses.
Insiders say that Harvard was handpicked for the role by the show presenter David Dimbleby; and the reports say his departure could also raise questions about the veteran broadcaster's future. He was said to be furious when the suggestion to move Question Time's base from London was first raised four year's ago.
The BBC aims to make sure that 50% of its production budgets are spent outside London by 2016. Question Time was felt a reasonable candidate for the move because it is filmed in a different town or city. However, those working on the show believe it is essential key staff are based in Westminister in order to hob-knob with leading politicians.
It is unclear how many of the Question Time will actually make the move North, which is schedules to take place in the Autumn.
Said a BBC spokesman: “Ed Harvard has decided he does not want to move to Scotland. Mentorn and the BBC are now in the process of recruiting an appointment.”