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A BBC presenter has been sacked for launching a campaign to topple Tory Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg .

Campaigning medic Dr Phil Hammond condemned the Corporation's "fear" after being dropped from his three-hour Saturday morning slot on BBC Radio Bristol.

It came hours after the GP, who investigates and writes about NHS failures, tweeted he will stand against Mr Rees-Mogg for the National Health Action Party in the next general election.

In a statement today, Dr Hammond claimed he had told the head of BBC Radio Bristol of his intentions weeks ago and was advised "it should not be a problem" until the election itself.

Saying he was "sad and a little puzzled", he added: "I strongly suspect whoever made this decision has never listened to any of my broadcasts.

"Such a sudden decision smells strongly of fear.

(Image: REUTERS)

"There is no political bias on the Saturday Surgery, just three hours of health and happiness with some live music.

"I shall really miss the fantastic team at BBC Radio Bristol and all the loyal listeners. It's been a hugely enjoyable 12 years."

The National Health Action Party campaigns against creeping privatisation in the NHS.

It has never won a seat in Parliament, but its candidate Louise Irvine came second in then-Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's seat last year with 20% of the vote.

Now the party is hoping to challenge Mr Rees-Mogg's 10,235 majority in North East Somerset.

(Image: PA)

Dr Hammond, who lives in the Chew Valley in Mr Rees-Mogg's constituency, warned services had been "cut back" and his listeners had seen "staff shortages and exhausted doctors and nurses".

He said: "If we’d matched the percentage of our GDP that Germany has put into health just since 2000, we’d have put an extra £260 billion into the NHS.

"Think how fabulous the service could be with that level of investment."

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Impartiality is at the heart of our journalism.

"Active political involvement is an area covered by our editorial guidelines.

"Standing as a candidate in an election is a conflict of interest and someone seeking election is unable to continue in this type of editorial role."