MP makes formal Sir Alan complaint

Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has lodged a formal complaint with the BBC regarding its decision to retain Sir Alan Sugar as the boss on The Apprentice.

The Conservative MP for South West Surrey had called on Sir Alan to quit his role on the show if he was to accept the government appointment of 'enterprise tsar' and an accompanying peerage.

However, the BBC said that the tycoon's position on the "factual entertainment programme" would not be affected by his governmental role and later confirmed the decision to keep him on the show.

Hunt has now formally complained to the broadcaster after describing the justification for retaining Sir Alan as "riddled with inconsistencies".

"Slipping this letter out when the media is focused on MPs' expenses is simply staggering. Far from addressing my concerns, this letter shows that the BBC has simply ignored our complaint and hopes we'll let the matter drop," he added.