Carol Vorderman Resigns from BBC Amid Alleged Breach of Social Media Protocol

 

Carol Vorderman has parted ways with her BBC Radio Wales show, citing her unwillingness to compromise her voice in the wake of the corporation’s new social media guidelines.

The 62-year-old broadcaster, who helmed the Saturday morning programme since 2018, asserted her intention to “persist in critiquing the UK government” in light of the clampdown on BBC staff expressing their views on social media, amidst an impartiality dispute involving Gary Lineker.

“I was raised to stand up for my convictions, and I shall continue to do so,” Vorderman declared. She disclosed that, consequently, she had run afoul of the new guidelines, leading BBC Wales management to make the decision for her departure, as Vorderman conveyed on X/Twitter.

“After five years, I bid farewell to my Saturday morning slot on BBC Radio Wales. While I respect the recently implemented social media guidelines, it was conveyed to me that, given it is a weekly show bearing my name, the new guidelines would encompass all content I post throughout the year, regardless of its political nature, despite the show’s light-hearted nature,” the presenter explained.

Vorderman noted that, as these alterations to her radio contract were “non-negotiable”, she concluded that she was “unwilling to stifle my voice on social media, alter my identity, or forfeit the capacity to voice my unwavering beliefs about the political tumult engulfing our nation.”

The former Countdown luminary, also known for hosting the annual Pride of Britain awards, announced her resolution to continue scrutinising the current UK government for its impact on the nation she holds dear. She affirmed her determination to persist in sharing posts that speak out against the government.

Vorderman expressed her regret at having to bid farewell to the cherished friends she had made at Radio Wales. She extended her best wishes to them and all of the programme’s listeners, sending them “all the love in the world”.

“We shared many a laugh, and we shall miss one another deeply,” she reflected. “Yet, for now, a new and intriguing chapter begins.”

In a statement to The Independent, the BBC conveyed: “Carol has been a fixture on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. We extend our gratitude for her contributions and dedication to the station over the past five years.”

In March, Vorderman called for the resignation of women’s minister Maria Caulfield, following Caulfield’s statement that she couldn’t be bothered to attend a committee hearing on the subject of menopause.

In September, it was reported that Vorderman removed several posts related to Conservative chair Greg Hands.

Mr. Hands urged her to apologise for what he deemed to be “defamatory and damaging” tweets concerning his involvement in a lifestyle company receiving a £25.8 million contract for personal protective equipment in 2020.

In a statement on X, Vorderman expressed her willingness to accept Mr. Hands’ assurance that his role in the process was merely to make a referral, and that there was no wrongdoing on his part.