Richard Sharp: BBC chairman asks for conflict of interest reviewon January 23, 2023 at 11:35 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Richard Sharp apologises for the “distraction” amid claims he helped secure a loan for Boris Johnson.

Undated handout photo issued by DCMS of Richard Sharp, the former Goldman Sachs banker who will succeed Sir David Clementi as BBC chairman. PA Photo. Issue date: Wednesday January 6, 2021. His appointment comes amid a debate about the BBC licence fee and how the broadcaster is facing competition from streaming services.Image source, PA Media

Richard Sharp has defended his position as BBC chairman amid scrutiny over his links with Boris Johnson.

Claims emerged over the weekend that the ex-banker was involved in securing a loan of up to £800,000 for the then-prime minister.

Mr Sharp said he had not been involved in a loan, a guarantee or arranging any financing.

In a statement to BBC employees, he called the row “a distraction for the organisation, which I regret”.

Mr Sharp said he had never hidden his longstanding relationship with the former PM.

According to The Sunday Times, Mr Sharp was involved in helping to arrange a guarantor on a loan of up to £800,000 for Mr Johnson in late 2020.

He was handpicked for the senior role by Mr Johnson in February 2021.

He told BBC staff “I believe firmly that I was appointed on merit, which the Cabinet Office have also confirmed”.

Mr Johnson and the government have rejected suggestions there was any conflict of interest involved.

Labour has called for the Commissioner for Public Appointments to fully investigate the appointment.

Listen on Sounds banner
Listen on Sounds footer
- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal: Bukayo Saka scores as Gunners near Europa League progressionon October 13, 2022 at 6:50 pm

Arsenal take a big step towards qualifying for the Europa League knockout stage with a slender win at Bodo/Glimt.Arsenal take a big step towards...

US man sues psychic who ‘promised to remove ex-girlfriend curse’on October 6, 2021 at 12:10 am

Mauro Restrepo alleges Sophia Adams told him his marriage was cursed and she could save it for $5,100.

Daily Covid cases down for fourth day in UKon July 23, 2021 at 4:28 pm

New infections are down but it is too soon to say if cases have peaked, say experts.image copyrightGetty ImagesCovid cases are down for the...

The Ashes 2023: Why England’s lack of left-handed batters leaves a ‘huge gap’on July 1, 2023 at 6:40 am

As England approach another series with no left-handed batters, BBC Sport looks at the numbers and investigates why they are struggling to produce the...

Climate change: Does Germany produce double the UK’s carbon emissions?on August 13, 2021 at 11:45 pm

MP John Redwood claims that, on carbon emissions, Germany "puts out twice as much as we do". Is he right?