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The BBC has accepted it made a "mistake" by editing a clip of Question Time to cut out audience laughter when Boris Johnson was asked about telling the truth.

The Corporation made the admission after days of accusations on social media and 46 complaints to the broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.

Today the Lib Dems joined the complaints, writing to Ofcom to demand the BBC apologise for "doctoring" a clip of Boris Johnson on Question Time.

In the original programme on November 22, audience members both laughed and applauded after a woman asked the PM: "How important is it for someone in your position of power to always tell the truth?".

But in a package on the BBC News Channel on November 23, a few seconds were cut to get straight to an answer from Mr Johnson - removing the laughter and leaving only applause.

The BBC has not apologised despite calls to do so and initially showed no remorse, but today issued a new statement admitting it was a "mistake".

A BBC spokeswoman told the Mirror: This clip from the BBC’s Question Time special, which was played in full on the News at Ten on Friday evening and on other outlets, was shortened for timing reasons on Saturday’s lunchtime bulletin, to edit out a repetitious phrase from Boris Johnson.

"However, in doing so we also edited out laughter from the audience.

"Although there was absolutely no intention to mislead, we accept this was a mistake on our part, as it didn’t reflect the full reaction to Boris Johnson’s answer.

"We did not alter the soundtrack or image in any way apart from this edit, contrary to some claims on social media.”

In a letter to watchdog Ofcom's chief executive Sharon White, Lib Dem President Sal Brinton said the "doctored" clip undermined trust and may breach the broadcasting code.

"The edit, which removed the audiences reaction to a question posed to the Prime Minister, in which there was considerable laughter, severely misrepresents events as they happened," she wrote.

"Trust in politics, and in political figures, is an incredibly important issue – and the relationship between the media, politicians, and the viewing public must always endeavour to be fair, accurate, and uphold the highest levels of integrity.

"As our national broadcaster, we expect, and demand higher standards of the BBC.

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"It is not acceptable to delete an important aspect of the context of a broadcast, especially one designed to inform voters during a General Election campaign."

Sal Brinton added: "Removing the audience reaction following a question on trust being put to the Prime Minister for ‘timing reasons’ removes key context from the clip that was shown on BBC News.

"The Liberal Democrats fear that in doing so, the BBC have breached the broadcasting code and we are formally calling on Ofcom to investigate this potential breach."

It is understood Ofcom would only investigate a complaint after referrers have been pointed back to the BBC, to have their grievance dealt with through the Corporation's internal system first.

(Image: Finnbarr Webster)

It comes after the clip was widely shared by commentators and Twitter users and viewed many thousands of times. Left-wing pundit Aaron Bastani said it was "utterly extraordinary" while Owen Jones said: "How on earth can BBC press justify this?"

In answering the audience member on Friday night, Boris Johnson said it was important to tell the truth.

Yet he also said the corrosion of trust was due to "the failure of politicians to deliver Brexit " - prompting protests from the audience.

The woman who questioned Mr Johnson went on to say she was a 'WASPI' woman whose pension age was delayed, and asked how he would help.

But apparently U-turning on a previous pledge, the Tory leader said any help would be very expensive and he couldn't "magic up" the cash.