The British Government has proposed scrapping the BBC’s Board of Governors.

This follows strong criticism by an independent inquiry, investigating the case for war in Iraq.

Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, has told Parliament the Board should be replaced by an independent trust to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

“The governors’ dual role as cheerleader and regulator does not sit easily in a public organisation of the size and complexity of the BBC.

“It lacks clarity. It lacks transparency and it lacks accountability.”

Critics say the Board faces a potential conflict of interest, as it promotes the BBC’s interests and acts as its watchdog.

Jowell says the planned changes will go out for public consultation and will ensure a “strong, independent future” for the BBC.

“Its values, its global reach, its standards and its editorial independence … must be preserved. Our proposals, including keeping the licence fee and renewing the charter for another 10 years, will enable it to do just that.”

The BBC came in for scathing criticism last year over a report, quoting an unnamed source, which claimed Prime Minister, Tony Blair’s office had ‘sexed up’ a Government dossier on Iraqi weapons.

Government scientist, David Kelly, killed himself after being named as the source, which sparked an official inquiry.

It determined the radio report was unfounded, the BBC’s editorial procedures were defective and its Board of Governors failed to investigate closely enough before defending the piece.