BBC director-general Lord Tony Hall will step down this summer after seven years at the head of the corporation.

It comes after the BBC has faced criticism over its coverage of last month’s general election, having failed to secure an interview with Boris Johnson for Andrew Neil, and its decision to cut free TV licences for over-75s.

The corporation has also come under fire over the issue of equal pay, losing an employment tribunal against Newswatch presenter Samira Ahmed earlier this month which could now open the door to more claims.