[Mort]

As you say it's his personal social media - he is not saying this on Match of the Day.

And he does not work for the BBC News division.

Lineker is however the lead presenter of a defined "flagship programme", so the social media guideline rules apply to him and his co-presenters. These were specifically revised following his first run-in with the big cheeses.

www.bbc.co.uk  says:

2. Who this guidance applies to
Everyone who works for the BBC should ensure their activity on social media platforms does not compromise the perception of or undermine the impartiality and reputation of the BBC, nor their own professional impartiality or reputation and/or otherwise undermine trust in the BBC.

a) Individuals working in news and current affairs (across all divisions) and factual journalism production, along with all senior leaders have a particular responsibility to uphold the BBC’s impartiality through their actions on social media and so must abide by specific rules set out in this guidance. Factual journalism includes returning strands which cover topical issues. Some individual documentaries may also qualify as factual journalism.

b) Those presenting Flagship Programmes on the BBC carry a particular responsibility to help to balance commitments to both freedom of expression and impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC. This responsibility extends to their use of social media, both for professional and for personal use, during the periods when these Flagship Programmes are on air, and for a two-week window before and after the series. BBC Flagship Programmes are listed here. This list will be reviewed annually.

4. B) Flagship Programme Presenters
Those presenting Flagship Programmes carry a particular responsibility to help balance commitments to both freedom of expression and impartiality. You are free to express opinions about the issues that matter to you. This includes issues that may be the subject of public and political debate. However, any commentary must be within the boundaries below.

The following list provides guidance on how specific rules and expectations on impartiality will be interpreted for these individuals:


1. Don't endorse or attack a political party (including parties in government or opposition).
2. Don't criticise the character of individual politicians in the UK.
3. Don't comment on any issue that is a matter of political debate during the election period for UK general elections and for referendums in any part of the UK.
4. Don't take up an official role in campaigning groups or become involved in fundraising for campaigning. (Some charitable positions may be exempt from this. This will be agreed on a case by case basis after referral to line management, and exemption will depend on the nature of the role.)

It seems they've boxed themselves into a corner on this, and/or he's looking for an excuse to quiet quit, or he just wants to make a point that he cannot be controlled. The timing couldn't be better either. I expect more Christmas holiday walkouts from the MOTD presenters, we could be in for another atmos-only goals compilation which is fine by me!

I personally think it's a BIG stretch to say he's breached the social media guidelines on this occasion. The Tory press will be gunning for some BBC controversy in the silly season though.