We will scrap the BBC Trust, say Conservatives

BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons could face losing his job under Conservative plans to transform the body into a "licence fee payers' trust".

But the Tories would face a battle as sources close to the trust said proposals would need to meet the Trust's approval.

It is understood the Conservatives plan to act quickly to introduce the new role of non-executive chairman, working alongside BBC director-general Mark Thompson.

Conservative sources insisted the plans were not a bid to force out Sir Michael, who is also BBC chairman, and said they were driven by the desire to create a body more in line with licence fee payers' interests.

The constitutional basis for the BBC is set out in the Royal Charter, which guarantees its independence and outlines the duties of the trust.

The current charter runs until 2016 and Sir Michael's term in office is set until the middle of next year.

A BBC Trust spokesman said: "We are not going to comment on speculation.

"What matters to audiences is that they receive quality content and services from the BBC.

"To that end the trust and Sir Michael are getting on with the job of getting the best out of the BBC for licence fee payers."

The Conservatives believe the Trust performs "incompatible" roles of regulating and championing the BBC.

A Conservative spokesman said: "We have always said that we would scrap the BBC Trust as its dual role of regulator and champion of the BBC are incompatible.

"We are currently looking at all the ways we can achieve this within the charter agreement."