The contentious pre-election interviews by Adam Boulton and Kay Burley have been dismissed by the UK’s media regulator.

Viewers of Sky News had objected to the treatment of the Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg by Boulton, with Ofcom receiving around nearly 2,000 complaints regarding the election coverage. The issue arose during an on-screen debate with Alastair Campbell, the renowned spin doctor for the Labour Party. Burley also caused complaints over her interviewing of an electoral reformist.

Boulton, who is the Sky News political editor, received 1,787 complaints, with most centred on what was seen as  unprofessional behaviour, with many analysts suggesting Boulton had lost his temper and railed at Campbell after the now deputy prime minister had accused him of being obviously upset that David Cameron was not prime minister. A second interview, on May 10, generated 671 complaints against Boulton for similar allegations.

In dismissing the allegations, Ofcom stated that the audience for the popular news channel was presented with two well-known personalities that had contributed to a heated debate, and though it was a concern, the content and tone was not deemed out of place and Boulton’s treatment of Clegg was not said to constitute heckling.

The media regulator also threw out the 1,008 complaints arising from Burley’s interview with well-known electoral reformist David Babbs on May 8, which sparked a Twitter campaign calling for her dismissal and shouts of abuse at later live broadcasts.

The former Labour head of communications, Alastair Campbell, has continued his public spat with Adam Boulton.

Mr Boulton, the Sky News political editor, was labelled ‘pathetic’ by Mr Campbell as their fiery live exchange on Sky News threatens to spill over. Mr Boulton was also accused of throwing a temper tantrum by Campbell.

The row between Mr Boulton and the former Labour chief was broadcast live on Sky News, where the 24-hour news station was covering the aftermath of the resignation announcement by outgoing Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The pair was also scheduled to play against each other today in a charity football game that could turn nasty.

Speaking to reporters this morning before the game, Mr Campbell claimed that he and many others had been watching the Sky News coverage live or online and that the common opinion was that Boulton had been unprofessional in his behaviour. Mr Campbell also acknowledged that he had strong views towards the media, to which he asid he is entitled.

Mr Campbell added that the media coverage of the electoral campaign was laughable, with supposedly independent intermediaries such as Boulton becoming precious when challenged. The row began after Boulton asked if Britain really needed Gordon Brown limping around for four months until his retirement. Mr Campbell hit back by saying that such comments were not impartial, and that Boulton was an advocate of David Cameron - one who saw Mr Brown as little more than dead meat.