In a statement, GB News insisted the Prime Minister had been questioned by viewers “robustly, intelligently and freely” and described Ofcom’s findings as “an alarming development in their attempts to silence us”.

He added: “The regulator’s threat to sanction a news organization for allowing people to question their own Prime Minister strikes at the heart of democracy at a time when it could not be more relevant.

“Ofcom has a legal obligation to respect freedom of speech and not interfere with the right of all news organizations to make their own editorial decisions within the law.

“Today’s discovery is a watershed moment that should terrify anyone who, like us, believes that the role of the media is to give a voice to the people of Britain, especially those who too often feel unheard or ignored by their politicians. “

In its ruling, Ofcom said it recognized that due to the nature of the program conservative viewpoints would be dominant, but said it was GB News’ responsibility to ensure that an appropriately broad range of views was presented.

It found that while some of the audience’s questions were challenging and critical of government policy, the audience was not in a position to challenge Mr Sunak’s answers, nor was the presenter to do so.

Ofcom said the Prime Minister criticized aspects of Labour’s policies and performance, but Labour’s views were not reflected in the program.

She added that Sunak was able to outline future policies his government planned to implement if re-elected, but these were not challenged.

This is the latest in a string of breaches of impartiality committed by GB News. In March, Ofcom found that five programs hosted by MPs, including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, breached rules governing the use of politicians as presenters.

Ofcom has previously notified GB News of its failure to comply with broadcasting rules. The watchdog will now decide whether to fine the channel and publish its decision within 60 working days.