A BBC radio presenter has been sacked from his job after launching a campaign to oust Jacob Rees-Mogg from his seat.

Dr Phil Hammond – who shares the same name as the Chancellor – said he was "very sad and a little puzzled" to be let go from his job after 12 years.

It came after he said he'd been endorsed by the National Health Action Party as a prospective candidate for the next election, which is not scheduled to be until 2023.

Dr Phil, who had a weekly slot on Saturdays at BBC Radio Bristol, was sacked the same day, he claimed in a shock announcement.

The doctor has worked in the NHS for 21 years, and had told the BBC of his intentions to run in North East Somerset beforehand.

"Such a decision smells strongly of fear," he said in a statement.

"I strongly suspect whoever made this decision has never listened to any of my broadcasts," he added.

"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 presenter said he'd been told it wasn't likely to be a problem for now, but would have to stand down during the elections period itself.

He had previously pledged to "give [the election attempt] my best shot, although I’ll somehow have to leapfrog my sitting MP, Jacob Rees Mogg, first".

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BBC rules says they can't give candidates an unfair advantage over another.

He wanted to stand to support Britain's National Health Service, and has been on a tour of the UK to canvas opinion for a plan to keep it afloat in future.

A spokesperson for the BBC in Bristol 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," she added.

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