BBC chief ‘blocked statue of George Orwell as too Left-wing’

Outgoing BBC director-general Mark Thompson vetoed a statue of George Orwell at the Corporation’s new HQ as the writer was “too Left-wing”, it has been claimed.

Labour peer and former BBC journalist Baroness Bakewell is backing a campaign for a statue of the author outside Broadcasting House, where he worked during the Second World War.

She told the Daily Telegraph: “I met Mark Thompson at a BBC reception and mentioned the project. He said, ‘Oh no, Joan, we can’t possibly. It’s far too Left-wing an idea’.”

A BBC spokesman said the statue would obscure artwork built into the pavement, but added that a location could be found nearby.

Mr Thompson could not be reached for comment.