Carol Vorderman, the well-known presenter, is set to bid farewell to her long-standing BBC Radio Wales Saturday morning show after breaching BBC guidelines with her criticism of the

government on social media. Vorderman, who has been the host of the show for four years, has been a vocal critic of the government on various social media platforms, most notably on X (formerly Twitter).

Recently, the BBC introduced new guidelines regarding the use of social media by its stars and staff. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure that individuals do not compromise the BBC's reputation and impartiality. Vorderman, with nearly 900,000 social media followers, has posted numerous statements that are critical of the government, including a recent tweet stating, "This iteration of the Tory Party needs to be utterly dismantled at the next election."

On the same day, she responded to a tweet from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, expressing her desire to curb individuals pitching tents in public spaces. Vorderman's response was, "What I want to stop, and what the law-abiding majority wants to stop is your vile government clinging onto power for a day longer."

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Vorderman explained her perspective: "The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However, despite my show being light-hearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines would apply to all and any content that I post all year round."

Vorderman continued, "Since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I've ultimately found that I'm not prepared to lose my voice on social media, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil this country finds itself in."

She went on to emphasize, "My decision has been to continue to criticize the current UK government for what it has done to the country which I love - and I'm not prepared to stop. I was brought up to fight for what I believe in, and I will carry on. Consequently, I have now breached the new guidelines, and BBC Wales management have decided I must leave. We each must make our decisions."

Vorderman expressed her sadness at parting ways with her colleagues at Radio Wales, describing them as "wonderful friends" and wishing them and their listeners all the best. She also hinted at the beginning of "another interesting chapter."

Carol Vorderman initially joined Radio Wales as the host of a Sunday show in 2018 before transitioning to the Saturday slot the following year. A spokesperson for the station thanked her for her contributions over the past five years.

The BBC declined to comment further on the matter and referred to Vorderman's official statement. Vorderman is the first high-profile figure to depart from the BBC as a result of the overhaul of its social media guidelines, which were finalized in September. These guidelines stress that individuals working for the corporation should ensure their social media activity does not compromise the BBC's reputation or impartiality, or their own professional impartiality or reputation, and should not undermine trust in the BBC.

It's worth noting that Vorderman's Radio Wales show does not fall under the category of "flagship programs," whose hosts have a "particular responsibility to respect the BBC's impartiality." The guidelines also specify that while BBC staff and freelancers outside of these flagship programs are not required to uphold the BBC's impartiality on social media, they are expected to maintain civility in public discourse and avoid bringing the BBC into disrepute.

Carol Vorderman, known for her role as the "maths wizard" on the TV game show Countdown in the 1980s, has also hosted various other shows, including Better Homes and The Pride of Britain Awards. Photo by 21stCenturyGreenstuff, Wikimedia commons.