Local newspapers should not have to face the threat of BBC competition, according to the Tories’ culture chief.

Shadow culture minister Jeremy Hunt is expected to tell the London School of Economics today in a keynote speech that he hoped the BBC Trust would take a strong stance on the Corporation’s local video plans.

The Trust is currently engaging in a review of the BBC’s plans to spend £68m launching a local video news service over five years with provisional conclusions due for publication at the end of November.

The Daily Telegraphs reports Mr Hunt will say: “In an increasingly difficult advertising market why should local newspapers have to face the additional threat of subsidised competition from the BBC?

“I don’t think they should and I hope the BBC Trust takes a strong stance on this proposal.

“These proposals also threaten the development of new ultra local television services, something I think we should be helping not stifling.

“This is a big test for the Trust and one in which I hope they stand up to the BBC management.”