Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf has blasted one of the BBC's flagship politics shows, accusing it of bias in a furious takedown of its latest guest line-up. The row erupted after Yusuf called out the broadcaster's decision to feature Kemi Badenoch on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, while placing one of her closest political allies on the panel to react, as he branded the set-up a "joke". Taking to X, Yusuf wrote: "The BBC invited Kemi for an interview on Laura Kuenssberg's show tomorrow, and put her biggest supporter, Michael Gove, on the panel to react to her performance. Impartiality at its best from the BBC. What a joke."

The comment quickly sparked a wider debate about the BBC's impartiality, with Yusuf suggesting the set-up risked giving Badenoch an easier ride by pairing her appearance with a supportive voice. Michael Gove has long been seen as a key ally of Badenoch, having backed her rise within the party and supported her leadership ambitions.

Yusuf, now a senior figure within Reform UK after previously being a Conservative member, framed the decision as further evidence of what he claims is entrenched bias at the BBC - a broadcaster that has repeatedly faced criticism over its impartiality.

Social media users quickly piled into the row, with some backing Yusuf's concerns - and others accusing him of hypocrisy.

One supporter wrote: "Doesn't matter, I am sure you will leave the biased panel speechless. Can't wait for Kemi to start stuttering"

Others were less sympathetic. One replied: "How many times have they had you on, and you haven't even been elected? Many elected members have fewer invites than you."

Another added bluntly: "Somebody's jealous...", while a separate comment simply read: "I like Kemi".

Kuenssberg's show, which regularly features senior politicians and commentators, is expected to maintain strict neutrality under the BBC's editorial guidelines.

The two parties are increasingly competing for similar voters, with Reform positioning itself as an outsider force willing to challenge what it sees as an entrenched political establishment.

Badenoch is likely to be asked about a controversial proposal to outlaw burqas in the UK - something Yusuf has openly supported.

The Conservative Party is reportedly exploring a ban on full-face coverings as part of efforts to tackle Islamic extremism, with senior figures said to be "looking closely" at the move.

Badenoch is understood to be backing the discussions, amid concerns the garments can be divisive and hinder integration.

The proposal would bring the Conservatives closer to Reform UK's stance - with Yusuf already pushing for a blanket ban on face coverings in public.

He told The Telegraph: "I think they're un-British in a Western, liberal democracy."

Yusuf argued the issue extends beyond culture into everyday life, adding: "It would be very disconcerting if you were just buying something from Tesco and somebody was scanning your stuff and you cannot make eye contact with someone."