The editor of the Today programme has risked exacerbating the BBC’s gender row after claiming her female presenters are “better on fashion” while John Humphrys “holds power to account”.

Sarah Sands, the editor of the Radio 4 show, said veteran broadcaster Humphrys was “the person you want to hold power to account” in her “first-rate” team of five hosts.

Mishal Husain and Martha Kearney, the show’s female presenters, were “on the whole slightly better on fashion”, she said.

The comments risk further inflaming a dispute over the treatment of women at the BBC, after a gender pay gap led to protests by female employees.

Last year, the report revealed that Humphrys earned up to £649,000 for his work at the BBC, while Nick Robinson was paid up to £299,000.