Eric Pickles hits out at BBC reporters for being Labour 'backing band' The Tory Cabinet minister, who has previously criticised the corporation for being "too secretive" and suggesting "every saving is a cut," unleashed his latest swipe in a speech to the New Local Government Network in central London. He said: "In difficult times the best of it has risen to the challenge, managed change, protected the best of the public service ethos. However, a number of Labour councils have given way to temptation of reliving the past in an 80s tribute band, maximising the cuts to the most politically damaging. With a backing group of gullible and unquestioning BBC regional reporting, this has led to a heady mix. A BBC spokeswoman said: "We are confident that BBC Local and regional coverage of local government is impartial, fair and balanced, reflecting a wide range of views. We always seek to challenge and hold to account and set a high standard for all our journalists.