Richard Sharp: Report on appointment of BBC chairman expected

A report examining the appointment of the BBC's chairman Richard Sharp is expected imminently.

Adam Heppinstall KC has examined whether the appointment was in line with the government's Governance Code for Public Appointments.

It follows questions raised about Mr Sharp's role in securing a loan for the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

While there has not been official confirmation, sources say the report could be published on Friday.

The KC-led review was tasked with investigating whether Mr Sharp failed to properly disclose details of his involvement in the facilitation of an £800,000 loan guarantee to Mr Johnson.

He has denied any involvement in the arrangement of a loan and a spokesman for him has previously said that he did not facilitate an introduction between Mr Johnson and businessman Sam Blyth and that he was not involved in the arrangement of a loan between them.

But a cross-party committee said that he had not given them the "full facts" two years ago when they were considering his suitability for the BBC role.

The BBC is also conducting its own internal review over any potential conflicts of interest Mr Sharp may have in his current role as BBC chairman.

Mr Sharp was named as the government's preferred candidate for the BBC chairmanship in January 2021 and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) committee backed his appointment.

The government's choice is ultimately decided by the prime minister, on the advice of the culture secretary, who is in turn advised by a panel.

Mr Sharp was asked to appear before the committee in February following the claims around a loan to Mr Johnson, which were first reported by the Sunday Times.