Michael Gove: 'BBC wrong with O'Reilly'

Michael Gove has criticised the BBC for its alleged in-built ageist culture, following Miriam O'Reilly's success at her employment tribunal last week.

Speaking on BBC One's Question Time, the Education Secretary said that the corporation needs to change, adding that he prefers presenters Selina Scott and Joanna Lumley to Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton.

He said: "Sometimes it’s good that things are new and fresh, like technology or fashion or music. Sometimes you want things to be old, like cheese, wine or the presenter of Question Time.

"I hope that everyone at the BBC gets the message. I would rather see Selina Scott and Joanna Lumley on my TV screens than Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton."

The BBC issued a statement on Tuesday claiming to "welcome the opportunity of working with [O'Reilly] again".