BBC BOSS QUITS IN STORM OVER LOAN

SHARP BREACHED CODE BY FAILING TO REVEAL ROLE IN £800K HELP FOR BORIS

- Rachael Burford, Robert Dex 

BBC chairman Richard Sharp today resigned after a report found that he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest over playing a role in getting Boris Johnson an £800,000 loan guarantee.

Adam Heppinstall KC’s review found the former Tory donor twice breached the code governing public appointments, risking the perception he was not independent from the then prime minister. Amid a cronyism row, Mr Heppinstall concluded that Mr Sharp “failed to disclose potential perceived conflicts of interest” to the panel that interviewed candidates and advised ministers on his appointment.

In his resignation statement, Mr Sharp acknowledged that the report concluded that he had breached the Government’s code but said it was “inadvertent” and he was quitting to “prioritise the interests” of the broadcaster.