Ministers look at depoliticising top BBC jobs as Farage rides high in polls

Crucial talks begin on corporation's future amid efforts to protect it from government influence

Ministers are examining plans that would increase the BBC's independence from politicians, including ending political appointments to its board, as part of crucial talks over the corporation's future.

The government is to consider overhauling the process by which the BBC has to renew its charter every decade, aiming to place it farther away from the influence of governments.