Richard Sharp is stepping down from his role at the BBC following the publication of a report into his appointment.
The full report by the Commissioner for Public Appointments found Sharp did not properly disclose his involvement in the facilitation of a £800,000 loan guarantee to then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, along with a second potential conflict of interest.
The Chairman says he should have mentioned potential perceived conflicts of interest during his interview with the appointments panel ahead of his appointment in February 2021.
Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, said: “On behalf of the BBC Executive, I would like to thank Richard for his service to the BBC and the drive and intellect he brought to his time as Chairman. Working with him over the last two years has been rewarding and Richard has made a significant contribution to the transformation and success of the BBC.
“The focus for all of us at the BBC is continuing the hard work to ensure we deliver for audiences, both now and in the future.”
The BBC Board has asked Richard to stay on as Chairman until the end of June while the process to appoint his successor is undertaken. Richard has agreed to do so in the interest of the Corporation’s stability and continuity.
The BBC Board said: “We accept and understand Richard’s decision to stand down. We want to put on record our thanks to Richard, who has been a valued and respected colleague, and a very effective Chairman of the BBC. The BBC Board believes that Richard Sharp is a person of integrity.
“Richard has been a real advocate for the BBC, its mission, and why the Corporation is a priceless asset for the country, at home and abroad. He has always had the impartiality of the BBC and a desire to see the organisation thrive at the forefront of his work as Chairman.
“We understand that the UK Government is moving swiftly to begin the process of appointing a new Chairman of the BBC, in line with the terms of the BBC’s Charter.”
Richard Sharp, Chairman of the BBC added: “Being the Chairman of the BBC has been an enormous privilege. It is an incredible organisation which has never mattered more than it does today, at home in the UK and around the world. I am very proud to have worked with the uniquely talented teams across the BBC. They are the best at what they do and I shall always be their champion.”
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