Former Culture Secretary backs Jeremy Clarkson

Former Culture Secretary calls Clarkson a “legend” and says the BBC should look at how it deals with it star presenters. Maria Miller MP

Maria Miller took to the airwaves today to back Jeremy Clarkson who is currently suspended by the BBC over an alleged incident with a Top Gear producer. Speaking on Radio 4, the former Culture Secretary said that he was a “legend”, not just in the UK but around the world.

In a tweet, Miller said the corporation needs to improve the way it deals with it star presenters like Clarkson. She said: “BBC has clear obligation to staff and obligation to licence fee payer-need to better manage relationships with stars like Clarkson.” 

Maria Miller resigned as head of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport after an expenses row in April 2014 regarding a second home. She was replaced by Sajid Javid.

Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC on Tuesday after an alleged incident with a producer. It has since been widely reported that Clarkson ‘aimed to punch’ the producer last week. The remaining three episodes of the current series of Top Gear have been pulled from the schedules as the BBC conducts an investigation.

©BBC

©BBC

Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation. No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time. – BBC Statement

Following the news that Clarkson had been suspended, an online petition was created calling for the BBC to reinstate the popular presenter. It has so far gained over 450,000 signatures.