One step forward

Desmond John Humphrys, 74, seems to be riding to the aid of BBC DG Lord Hall, in volunteering to take another pay cut.

The presenter, who occasionally writes lengthy pieces for the Daily Mail, has told the paper 'It's true I've been talking to the bosses about taking another cut. We haven't mentioned any figures. I volunteered. That seems to be entirely fair and reasonable.'

Currently on a BBC package of something between £600k and £649k, the paper estimates he may come down to between £250k and £299,999 for the Today element, with Mastermind returning around £200k. One presumes he isn't on a final salary pension scheme with the BBC. Now there'll be a hunt for more volunteers.