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Boris Johnson: BBC chair Richard Sharp made ‘significant errors of judgement’ over £800,000 loan | UK News


BBC chairman Richard Sharp made a “serious error of judgment” by facilitating a £800,000 loan guarantee to Boris Johnson, a cross-party parliamentary committee has found.

The committee said Mr Sharp should “consider the impact his omissions will have” on public confidence in the broadcaster after he failed to declare his mediating role for the former prime minister. when applying to be president.

The MPs also said his actions “violated the standards expected by individuals” that apply to prominent public appointments.

Mr Sharp said he did not arrange the loan but admitted to referring his friend Sam Blyth, cousin of Mr. Mr. Johnson who wanted to help the prime minister at the time, went to the Cabinet Office.

Richard Sharp Appears Before Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Image:
Richard Sharp Appears Before Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

A spokesman for Mr Sharp said he was “sorry” for not telling MPs about his relationship with Mr Blyth “and apologizes”.

BBC President – What is the role?

The BBC’s chairman is the head of the BBC’s board – with a salary of £160,000.

They are responsible for maintaining the independence of the BBC while overseeing the operations of the corporation to fulfill its mission.

The President is also responsible for the process of appointing the superintendent and may dismiss the holder of this role. They also act as the top-level representative of the corporation to parliament and government, including authorized administrative bodies.

Roger Mosey, the BBC’s former head of television news, told Sky News it was a “two-pronged” business.

He said that while it was “the most important role for the BBC’s accountability to the public”, it was not a role related to BBC journalism.

But Mr Mosey pointed out that it is not unusual for the seat to be politically appointed and that this is “nothing new”.

“At that time, it was precisely because he sought to ensure that the rules were followed and in the belief that this was achieved that Mr Sharp acted in good faith his way,” the spokesman said. “.

Strongly worded report from cross-party MPs on the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggests Mr Sharp’s actions could damage BBC.

The same committee supported Mr Sharp’s appointment as chairman in January 2021 but was not aware of his role in facilitating the loan.

Read more: Boris Johnson becomes highest earning MP in this parliament

“Richard Sharp’s decisions were first to participate in facilitating loans to the then prime minister, and to apply for a job offered by the person himself, and then not to disclose the relationship. This materialism, is critical to evaluation errors, undermines confidence in the open appointment process and may prevent qualified individuals from applying for those positions,” the committee said. said.

Timeline

November 2020:
According to the Sunday Times, the secured loan was first proposed by Canadian millionaire Sam Blyth during a dinner with Richard Sharp.

Early December 2020:
In early December, Richard Sharp put Sam Blyth in touch with Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case.

End of 2020:
Before the end of the year, Richard Sharp and Sam Blyth met Boris Johnson for dinner at his country mansion, Checkers. They insisted the prime minister’s finances were not discussed.

January 2021:
In early January, the government announced Richard Sharp as the preferred candidate for the BBC presidency.

The MPs continued: “Mr Sharp should consider the impact his shortcomings will have on confidence in him, the BBC and the public appointment process.”

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The Office of the Public Appointment Commissioner is reviewing the competition to ensure the process is being carried out in compliance with the rules and we will await the results.”

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