Unrepeatable

The HIGNFY cancellation isn't a triumph for either party. The production team at Hat Trick didn't seem to think their casting mattered that much, which is just wrong. They say a member of BBC Editorial Policy turned up at the recording - surely that person might have checked the guest list before setting off ? Panellist Heidi Allen MP, the former Conservative who now leads remainers at Change UK, is not a candidate in the forthcoming European elections, but the Ed Policy team decided the show couldn't go out because there's no chance of balancing her before 22nd May. Mmm.

There is no longer a 'pending period' when the BBC tallies up appearances to a formula, but the Election Guidelines came into force on Friday 12th April, and last until close of polling on Thursday 23rd May.

The last European elections were in 2014. The BBC Elections guidelines came into force on Friday 11th April and lasted until close of polling on Thursday May 22nd.  On Friday 11th April the BBC broadcast an edition of Have I Got News For You featuring Nigel Farage, who was both a candidate and leader of UKIP at the time.  Host Steven Mangan lead Mr Farage through a game of "Fruitcake or Loony ?"