VIEWERS have taken to social media to question the audience selection process on BBC Question Time on Thursday night.
It comes after eagle-eyed members of the public identified a number of Conservative councillors in the audience. Ex-MSP Mary Scanlon was selected to speak at length without identification.
The latest #bbcqt audience question:
— Gerry Hassan (@GerryHassan) May 16, 2019
Why is Mary Scanlon, Conservative MSP for the Highlands & Islands from 1999–2006 and 2007–2016 seen as a 'punter' by the BBC & able to pose as a neutral authority on Tory civil wars? Who does the audience selection on this prog? Fire them now. pic.twitter.com/tXEL7ryZ2k
UPDATE from tonight’s #BBCQT:
— StoviesPlz (@Stoviesplz) May 17, 2019
1. Claire Feaver Tory councillor Forres.
2. Frank Brown, Tory councillor Elgin.
3. Jane Lax (featured by BBC), Moray Conservatives Honary treasurer.
4. Ian Lax, Tory campaigner and unionist #connect4 pic.twitter.com/Ax6UX0r9jn
Several joked about Tory 'plants', while others demanded to know how so many Conservative activists had got through the vetting procedures.
More plants than Dobbies Garden Centre. #bbcqt https://t.co/MVWEGPlRzC
— Cyberbint (@SandPatterson) May 17, 2019
"Put your hand up if you're a Tory plant"
— Steve (@steselby21) May 17, 2019
#bbcqt #bbcbias #BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/IZ8uu2p6Vm
A recap of last nights #bbcqt in Elgin. pic.twitter.com/ZSwp18xI2s
— The Moray Neep (@themorayneep) May 17, 2019
One woman said she had been turned down for the programme for being 'too political' simply for being a former staff member in an SNP MSPs office. "There's no excuse for this nonsense," Catriona Mackenzie Tweeted.
The credibility of the audience selection is horrendous. I wasn't allowed on #bbcqt when I applied years ago - I was Parliament staff (parliament, not party) - because I worked for an SNP member and was told that was "too political," so there's no excuse for this nonsense. https://t.co/nC7yb0NvNR
— Catriona Mackenzie (@CatMackenzie7) May 16, 2019
The fiercest critism of the flagship TV politics show came from supporters of independence and of the SNP.
Fiona Bruce asks “Are there any @TheSNP supporters in the audience tonight?” and about 5 people put their hands up. In Scotland. With polls running for the party near 40%. 🤔Now former Tory MSP posing as audience member. Something not right here #BBCScotland #BBCQT #sortit
— Deidre Brock MP (@DeidreBrock) May 16, 2019
However some viewers defended the programme, arguing that Mary Scanlon may have been an MSP, but was now simply a member of the public and perfectly entitled to appear.
The latest nationalist faux grievance seems particularly contrived. Why do they describe an ex-Tory MSP as "posing" as an audience member on #bbcqt? If she's in the audience she's an audience member. I would've thought an interest in politics might be a prerequisite, not a bar.
— Dale Flower (@BoycottsBat) May 16, 2019
She is an audience punter.
— Agent P 🇬🇧🏴 (@AgentP22) May 16, 2019
She retired from Holyrood 3 years ago.
Is there some rule that prohibits Ms Scanlon from applying?
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
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