Key Downing Street adviser Lord Birt has backed plans to break up the BBC's board of governors and disperse licence fee cash around other public service broadcasters, according to the FT.

The former director general of the corporation is supporting his friend Lord Burns' review into the future of the organisation, but is now in conflict with culture secretary Tessa Jowell, who wants to reform rather than get rid of the governors, and delay a decision on the dispersal of the licence fee.

Critics have accused Lord Birt of lacking accountability in his Number 10 role and having "axes to grind" with the BBC.