White, pro-Brexit comedian placed on BBC diversity and inclusion panel

Self-described 'right-leaning bloke' will help corporation represent views from across UK

A white, male, pro-Brexit comedian has been appointed to a new diversity and inclusion panel set up by the BBC.

Geoff Norcott, who describes himself as a “right-leaning bloke”, will be tasked with representing the “stories, faces and voices” from across the UK.

The Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group will challenge the corporation over representation in the general workforce and onscreen.

Norcott, who has appeared on Mock the Week and The Mash Report, was chosen on social mobility grounds because of his working-class background.

He has previously warned that blocking Brexit would trigger a rise in the far right.

“There will be consequences to Brexit not happening,” he wrote for The Independent in December.

“I don’t say that in the style of an ominous Farage threat or with any sense of glee. I hate the idea of a far-right party winning seats, but there’s a strong chance it’ll happen.”

The former teacher, who has voted for the Conservatives since 2010, said the backlash he had faced as a right-wing comedian had shaped his politics – and his comedy.

“Some of the stick I have got has radicalised me as a Tory,” he said during an interview about his political views last year.

“I’ve been called a Tory w***** so many times I just thought I’m going to live out my days as a Tory w*****.”

However his views on the EU are more nuanced than many outspoken Brexiteers.

He has argued that failing to sell freedom of movement as a positive thing had contributed to anti-EU sentiment and said he resented the “braying Leavers who, in the aftermath of the vote, did that shushing b***ocks to the home fans”.

The remaining panel members include broadcaster June Sarpong; Adele Patrick, co-founder of the Glasgow Women’s Library; Solomon Elliott from The Student View charity; and former BBC executive Tanya Motie.

The BBC said the panel members were chosen for their “wide range of knowledge and experiences of the media industry”. They will meet on Wednesday for the first time.

Director-general Lord Tony Hall said: “The BBC must represent the widest range of stories, faces and voices onscreen, on air and behind the camera.

“The combined knowledge, experience and skills of our new Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group will provide a fresh perspective on our ambitions.”

In a March announcement the BBC revealed it was meeting its 2020 diversity targets for disabled, LGBT+ and Bame staff. Figures revealed the broadcaster now has the highest proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in its history.

Tom Ilube, who has been named chair of the group, said: “I want to support the BBC’s ambition to be the most creative broadcaster in the world.

“To do this it needs to truly reflect the diversity of all its audiences, both onscreen and behind the camera.

“The new Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group will have some very honest and open conversations about where we are now and where we need to be.”

Two roles – director of creative diversity and head of workforce diversity and inclusion – have been advertised by the BBC to help with the new group’s efforts.

The group will also include three internal BBC staff as members, and Lord Hall will regularly attend meetings. It has been set up with the initial intention of running for two years.

The Independent has contacted representatives of Norcott for comment.