The BBC has denied claims of bullying at Midlands Today amid a new outcry from journalists of a “total whitewash”.

The denial was issued following the completion of an independent inquiry into the bullying row at the teatime news programme.

But independent training experts from Leek-based Developing People allowed only two officials from the National Union of Journalists at the Mailbox to view the findings.

The BBC has issued a statement confirming the report had been prepared – and said it found no evidence of bullying.

A spokesman said: “The BBC has conducted a thorough review of the issues raised by staff at Midlands Today.

“An independent consultant has met with staff and prepared a confidential report which has been shared with the appropriate trade union representatives.

“The report finds there has been no bullying at Midlands Today. The findings of the report and lessons about management style have been discussed with staff.”

But a Mailbox insider said: “Only two people from the staff were allowed to look at the report and even they were not allowed to take copies away or make notes for fear of a leak.