Just in from Number 10:

A STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Due to the constant pressure from our free press, it has been agreed that Mr Cummings will step down from his current role as special advisor, with immediate effect. I would like to thank Mr Cummings for his hard work

and loyal support.

I have today instructed the Cabinet Office to set in motion a committee to investigate and report on the way the BBC is funded and their neutrality in their reporting. This will be headed up by a member of the House of Lords who will have my full backing.

In addition I am proud to announce that I have appointed a new member to the House of Lords. The appointment has been made with immediate effect and I would like to congratulate Mr Dominic Cummings as Lord Dominic of Durham. He will take the lead role in the investigation into

the BBC with an additional responsibility to report back to Cabinet on the role of Sky TV.

Lord Durham will take a leading role in the final weeks of the Trade Talks with the European Trade Negotiations.