THE BBC has been slammed by furious viewers as a presenter's mishap raised concerns over bias.
A Radio Four presenter was caught saying on air "I like Wes Streeting", leading viewers to voice concerns over a Labour bias.
The presenter, believed to be Simon Jack, was reportedly unaware his microphone was still on.
He was heard stating his views on Streeting, who is Labour's shadow health secretary.
The mishap took place as a report on the fighting across Sudan had begun.
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The BBC's Mayeni Jones was heard saying: "Across Sudan people have had to adjust their plans for Eid."
Another voice interrupted him said: "I like Wes Streeting."
It took place after an interview with the Royal College of Nursing's leader Pat Cullen about the upcoming nurses strikes, the MailOnline reported.
Wes Streeting earlier this week said he was not in favour of the industrial action because it would put patient safety at risk.
He also said our hospitals rank poorly and called for reform of GPs and community clinics.
Mr Streeting added: “Despite all the challenges we see in the NHS today, it is still salvageable. "
Radio 4 listeners were quick to comment, with viewers divided over whether it was Simon Jack or the other presenter, Justin Webb, who spoke.
Labour MP Diane Abbott wrote: "Justin Webb says just now (unaware his mic is on) 'I like Wes Streeting'".
Others chimed in claiming it was Simon Jack speaking.
One commented: "BBC Radio 4 mic not switched off. 'I like Wes Streeting.' Sounded like Simon Jack."
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Did I just here Simon Jack say 'I like Wes Streeting' on BBC Radio 4 Today when he thought his microphone was off?
Radio 4 listener
Viewers said the situation brought into question the BBC's impartiality rules.
One listener said: "Bizarre moment on BBC Radio 4 Today as Simon Jack says 'I like Wes Streeting' when he thinks his mic is off.
"Surely a bigger breach of impartiality than Lineker supporting refugees?"
Another said: "After the 'I like Wes Streeting' slip on Radio 4 Today, I'm wondering how they will 'balance': listening very carefully."
A third added: "Simon Jack saying 'I like Wes Streeting' on BBC Radio 4 Today in an inadvertent off air comment.
"Presumably Justin Webb had said 'I hate Wes Streeting' or 'I like Steve Barclay' to maintain BBC's famous impartiality?"
The BBC responded: “This was a usual post interview chat that was picked up on an open mic. There was no commentary or opinions on policy or politics, and it would be wrong to suggest otherwise.”
Simon Jack has been the BBC's business editor since 2016, and has worked as a reporter for the broadcaster since 2003.
He regularly presents the business slots for Radio 4's Today programme, and more recently he has been co-hosting the morning news show.
BBC impartiality rules
It comes after the BBC's impartiality rules were called into question last month after bosses apologised to Gary Lineker following a row over his inflammatory migrant tweets.
The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman's small boats plan.
He likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
The presenter was reinstated to the show after being taken off it for what the Beeb said was a breach of impartiality rules.
The BBC said it will review its social media guidelines as Director General Tim Davie apologised for the "difficult period" for staff, presenters and audiences.
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