Andrew Neil has resigned as lead presenter and chairman of GB News following differences in the direction of the rightwing channel.

The ex-BBC host was the face of GB News before it went on air in June but has left after presenting just eight programmes. He was unhappy with technical mistakes, the loss of key staff and its political direction.

Neil was outmanoeuvred by the former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who is now the face of the channel, along with a number of more stridently rightwing hires who lean into culture war issues.

Neil said: “I am sorry to go but I have concluded that it is time to reduce my commitments on a number of fronts. I wish GB News well in continuing to fulfil its founding promise and mission to reach audiences currently underserved by existing news broadcasters.”

He said he would remain as a twice-weekly contributor to Farage’s show.