Broadcasters and politicians have warned the BBC over plans to overhaul political coverage in a bid to make it more appealing to younger viewers.

Sky's Adam Boulton said the corporation was attempting to grab ratings by "dumbing down" coverage.

ITN's John Sergeant bemoaned a new breed of "gesticulating" BBC news reporters.

Michael Portillo also warned that politicians were expressing "middle-of-the-road" views because broadcasters had shied away from real debate.

The Electoral Commission is set to ask TV and broadcasters to carry party political broadcasts on channels such as Sky Sports and UK Gold in a bid to reach more voters.