More pressure heaped on BBC chairman over loan row
Evening Standard|February 13, 2023
Row over BBC chairman’s loan ‘leaving a bad smell’
David Bond and Robert Dex
More pressure heaped on BBC chairman over loan row

BBC chairman Richard Sharp was facing growing pressure to quit today as a former TV news chief said the storm was leaving a “bad smell” hanging over the corporation.

The remarks from former ITN chief executive Stewart Purvis came after a committee of MPs strongly criticised Mr Sharp for a “significant error of judgment” in failing to disclose his involvement in “the facilitation” of an £800,000 loan to Boris Johnson while he was PM.

Mr Purvis told LBC it was striking that the Government was not “standing up for Mr Sharp”. He added: “The issue is: is Richard Sharp now a credible, impartial chair of the BBC given what’s been revealed?

“To have a chairman of the BBC, who was involved to the extent that he now finally admits he was, I think it’s a bad look, it’s a bad smell.”

A spokesperson for Mr Sharp declined to comment on Mr Purvis’s remarks.

Mr Sharp has said he will not resign and his future may now depend on whether he retains the confidence of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has the ultimate power to hire and fire the chair of the corporation.

This story is from the February 13, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 13, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EVENING STANDARDView All
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
The London Standard

Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives

From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
The London Standard

It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise

England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Bukayo Saka
The London Standard

Bukayo Saka

The making of a London icon

time-read
6 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
The London Standard

Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic

Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard

Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
The Old Operating Theatre
The London Standard

The Old Operating Theatre

St Thomas Street, SE1

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
The London Standard

Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?

Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie

time-read
2 mins  |
October 31, 2024
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
The London Standard

AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?

Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The London Standard

Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?

The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
A poetic puzzlebox
The London Standard

A poetic puzzlebox

This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024