Ofcom has today published a decision by Ofcom’s Election Committee having considered a complaint from the Restore Britain Party in relation to the BBC Question Time Makerfield By-Election Special.
The programme was broadcast on BBC News at 9pm and on BBC One at 10:45pm on 4 June 2026 and was made available on BBC iPlayer - ahead of the Makerfield by-election which is due to take place on 18 June 2026.
During an election period, Ofcom’s Election Committee has delegated authority from the Ofcom Board to consider due impartiality complaints which, if upheld, might require redress before the election.
In this case, the complaint concerned the BBC’s decision not to include Rebecca Shepherd, the candidate representing the Restore Britain Party in the Makerfield by-election, on the Question Time panel.
The format of election programming - including those invited to participate in them - is a matter of editorial freedom for individual broadcasters, so long as the programme complies with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.
Our rules on due impartiality require that when broadcasters are dealing with matters of major political controversy and major matters relating to current public policy - such as Parliamentary by-elections - due impartiality must be preserved and an appropriately wide range of significant views must be included and given due weight. Due weight must also be given to the coverage of political parties during the election period.
Having considered the complaint and all relevant evidence at the time of broadcast - including past and current electoral support - the Election Committee’s view is that the BBC made a reasonable editorial decision not to include the Restore Britain Party candidate in the programme. It considers that the programme contained an appropriately wide range of significant views, which were given due weight.
While the Committee has found that the BBC did not breach the Code in relation to Question Time Makerfield By-Election Special on 4 June 2026, the Committee recognises the fast-changing dynamic political landscape. It reminds all broadcasters that, during any election period, they need to keep under review relevant new evidence of current electoral support to ensure that due weight and an appropriate amount of coverage is given to political parties.