Richard Sharp has resigned as BBC chairman after conceding a report found he breached the governance code for public appointments.
The BBC Board said in a statement:
“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.”
In January, it emerged that Sharp had facilitated an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson while he was Prime Minister and just months before the government appointed him to the BBC board.
The revelations led many to question his suitability for maintaining the BBC’s independence – a key role of the Chairman.
A report into his appointment was ordered and was overseen by barrister Adam Heppinstall KC. Now, having read its findings, Sharp has decided to step down as BBC chair with his resignation taking effect from the end of June.
Richard Sharp, Chairman of the BBC said:
“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.”
The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie thanked Sharp for his service and noted he had made a “significant contribution” to the transformation and success of the corporation.
