Mandelson attacks BBC after tragedy

One of Tony Blair's closest allies has launched a fresh assault on the BBC in the wake of David Kelly's death.

The Prime Minister has faced calls to resign over the suicide of the defence official at the centre of the Iraq dossier row.

But former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson blamed the BBC and its "obsession" with Alastair Campbell for the tragic twist.

Dr Kelly was named as the source of reporter Andrew Gilligan's claims that Mr Campbell "sexed up" intelligence on Iraq.

Friends blamed his death on the strain of being placed at the heart of the ferocious war between the BBC and Government.

However, Mr Mandelson told The Observer much of the BBC's reporting was "simply not good enough".

Director-general Greg Dyke and chairman Gavyn Davies - both Labour supporters - had staked their reputations on a report that was "untrue", he said.

"It was the BBC's obsession with him (Campbell) that led more than anything else to the breakdown in relations between the Government and Britain's principal public service broadcaster."

Most watched News videos