Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg faced a bias row after Labour minister Steve Reed repeatedly called stand-in host Victoria Derbyshire 'Vic' during the June 28 episode. The BBC programme, usually presented by Laura Kuenssberg, was temporarily fronted by Derbyshire.
Labour minister's nickname sparks backlash
During the interview, Housing Secretary Steve Reed referred to Derbyshire as 'Vic' twice, prompting viewers to accuse the BBC of bias. One viewer wrote on X: 'Twice during his interview with Victoria Derbyshire Steve Reed called her "Vic". Not a good look for either of them & I can't imagine Victoria Derbyshire was happy about it. Gives the impression it's one big club.' Another added: 'That's because it is one big club. She's paid from the same pot at LK. If she wasn't part of the establishment she wouldn't be there.'
Viewer reactions and bias accusations
Other viewers criticised the familiarity. One posted: 'I would have told him straight. That is rude and shows a lack of respect. This was a televised interview not a chat in the pub.' Another remarked: 'When politicians like @SteveReedMP & others talk about other politicians' wives or husbands, PLEASE do not refer to them by name. We do not know them. This is not a party staff magazine. It is network television #bbclaurak And it's Victoria Derbyshire to viewers, not Vic.'
Programme context and BBC restructuring
The episode aired nearly a week after Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader and prime minister. Derbyshire interviewed Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, Reed, and Conservative MP Sir James Cleverley. The controversy comes as the BBC plans to merge Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg with Newsnight as part of a £500 million cost-cutting drive, cutting 2,000 jobs over three years.
