BBC bosses have been told they must not stop Labour frontbenchers hitting the airwaves just because their Tory counterparts are too scared to be interviewed.
Rishi Sunak has axed the daily broadcast round that saw ministers grilled on shows including Radio 4’s Today programme and BBC Breakfast every weekday morning.
Labour has demanded shadow cabinet ministers must still be invited to appear regardless of whether the government is willing to provide someone.
A party source said: “They can't do their usual thing of using it as an excuse to drop Labour as well. We are a few months from huge local elections and we are 20 points ahead in the polls.”
The Mirror revealed last week that ministers will only go on breakfast TV and radio shows around three mornings a week, prompting accusations they are dodging scrutiny.
In his first speech as PM, Mr Sunak pledged: “This government will have integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level.”
Until now, one minister has been chosen by No10 each day to answer questions on morning programmes, also including Good Morning Britain, Sky News’s Kay Burley show and LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.
They will focus on days when they have something specific to announce.
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC will always ensure a wide range of voices is heard.”
