Governments of all colours will always try to influence political reporting by the BBC. This is not to say it is right but there have been complaints for years about the political leanings of appointments to its managers/governers/board members.
There is probably an element of truth in what Maitlis says and it constantly needs highlighting, but it is no coincidence that it comes just before the launch of her political podcast and burnishes her honest journo credentials before its launch.