Summary

  • BBC chairman Richard Sharp resigns after a report found he broke transparency rules over his dealings with Boris Johnson

  • The report found he failed to raise two potential perceived conflicts of interest while applying for the job

  • The first relates to Sharp telling the then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson he wanted to apply before doing so - Johnson had the final say on who got the job

  • The second involves him telling Johnson he intended to set up a meeting between the UK’s most senior civil servant and a millionaire who wanted to help the PM with his finances

  • Sharp defended the second point as "inadvertent and not material" and said he resigned to "prioritise the interests of the BBC”

  • He will stay in post until June when his replacement will take over

Live Reporting

Edited by Dulcie Lee and Nathan Williams

  1. What does the BBC chairman do?

    Richard Sharp

    The chair of the BBC board is responsible for upholding and protecting the independence of the BBC.

    They support and oversee the work of the BBC, rather than running the organisation on a day-to-day basis.

    And they’re also responsible for that key BBC mission - to inform, educate and entertain.

    The current chairman, Richard Sharp, is paid £160,000 a year in the role (which he’s pledged to give to charity).

    Ultimately, the chairman is appointed by the prime minster on recommendation from other officials.

    As the job title suggests, they also chair the BBC board, which is made up of 13 people and includes the CEO of BBC News and the director general of the BBC, Tim Davie.

    The board sets the strategic direction of the BBC, its creative remit, and budget - as well as ensuring value for money.

  2. Answers on Sharp’s appointment expected today

    Katie Razzall
    Culture editor

    We should get some answers today on - most simply - whether BBC chairman Richard Sharp broke the code on public appointments.

    That code on application forms and advertising around the BBC chairman role was very clear.

    It says you must declare anything that might be misconstrued, cause embarrassment or cause public confidence to be jeopardised. So, if the report finds he did mislead the appointment panel and MPs - who later approved him for that role - the pressure will be on him to resign.

    But of course, demanding a resignation and it happening aren't the same thing.

    One scenario is that Richard Sharp sees the report, which we do understand will be difficult, and falls on his sword. Another is that he accepts he made a mistake, but not in bad faith. The best scenario for him is that the report says he broke the code, but that he did not know that it was a technical breach.

    He would likely see that as something to start to build on, but of course other people might have different thoughts on that.

  3. What this is about - in 100 words

    Screen grab taken from Parliament TV of BBC chairman Richard Sharp addressing Commons Digital, culture media and sport committeeon Tuesday 7 February 2023.PA Media

    This is all about whether Richard Sharp properly disclosed everything he should’ve during his appointment as BBC chairman.

    Specifically, it’s about whether he properly disclosed any involvement in the facilitation of a personal loan of £800,000 to Boris Johnson, who was prime minister at the time.

    As PM, Johnson was ultimately responsible for giving him the job.

    Sharp has denied any wrongdoing - or any involvement in arranging the loan.

    A group of MPs has already concluded Sharp didn’t give them the “full facts” when they were considering his suitability for the role.

    This report by a top lawyer also looks into the appointment process.

  4. Welcome to our coverage of the Richard Sharp report

    Sarah Fowler
    Live reporter

    Hello and thanks for joining us.

    A report into the circumstances surrounding the appointment of BBC chairman Richard Sharp is expected to be published imminently.

    It will look at whether Sharp properly disclosed details of any involvement in the facilitation of a £800,000 loan guarantee to the then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

    In February, MPs criticised Sharp for “significant errors of judgement” in failing to declare the potential conflict of interest.

    An independent review examining the process of Sharp’s appointment has been led by Adam Heppinstall KC, on behalf of the office of public appointments.

    His report could make for uncomfortable reading for Sharp, who has faced calls to resign.

    Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates and break down the story and why it matters.