A Kent MP has become the first politician to suggest figures at the very top of the BBC may have to "fall on their swords" over the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal.

Thanet North MP Sir Roger Gale - a former producer for the broadcaster - said BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten and director-general George Entwistle might have to stand down.

He spoke out after Lord Patten's apparent warning to culture secretary Maria Miller that the government should not wade into the affair, telling her "you will not want to give any impression that you are questioning the independence of the BBC".

Conservative Sir Roger blasted the response to her letter as "out of touch".

He said: "Chris Patten is an old friend and a former parliamentary colleague for whom I have had a high regard.

"But in his comment he has made it clear that he is out of touch, not only with the strength of feeling and concern in Parliament about the Savile affair and related matters but, more importantly, with the strength of public revulsion at what has happened at Television Centre and with the corporate culture that, for the best part of 40 years, has apparently covered it up.

"Attack may be the best form of defence, but in seeking to criticise a culture secretary who has not, ever, sought to challenge the independence of the BBC, he indicates how very little, within that corporate arrogance, has really changed."

"it is as if your favourite and respectable aunt has been revealed to be on the game..." – sir roger gale

But Sir Roger argued the "Auntie knows best line simply does not wash any more".

He added: "BBC management, over far too many years, has sought to maintain an imperious disdain for criticism and it has become clear that successive director-generals have, while happy to criticise others for not answering difficult questions, either turned a blind eye to criminal activities or have not known what has been going on on their own doorstep, which is also culpable.

"It is as if your favourite and respectable aunt has been revealed to be on the game, and if Lord Patten is not able to grasp that, then I fear that not only the director-general but also the chairman of the BBC Trust are going to have to fall on their swords."

Jimmy Savile during his days presenting Jim'll Fix It. Picture: BBC