BBC chairman Richard Sharp resigns

Richard Sharp, the chairman of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced on Friday he is resigning over alleged conflict of interest.

A report by Adam Heppinstall found Sharp has “failed to disclose potential perceived conflicts of interest.” Heppinstall is referring to the incidence of Sharp facilitating a loan to former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

This is perceived to have facilitated the appointment of Sharp as the BBC chairman by Johnson in 2021. Another concern was the “a perception that Mr Sharp would not be independent from the former Prime Minister, if appointed.”

The resigning BBC chairman in his statement, released Saturday, said he has “always maintained the breach was inadvertent and not material.” He further referred to facts in Heppinstall’s report confirming this.

Besides, Sharp highlighted Heppinstall stating “a breach of the governance code for public appointments does not necessarily invalidate an appointment.”

Sharp justified he decided to resign in order to “prioritise the interests of the BBC.” He is to stay in his position till the end of June throughout the process of appointing his successor.