End the cronies
Labour calls for an ‘independent process’ to choose new BBC chair
THE next BBC chair must be “free of the cronyism and sleaze” that forced Richard Sharp to quit, Labour demanded yesterday.
The plea comes amid growing pressure for ministers to be banned from “interfering” in the selection process, while Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell called for a “root and branch review” of the appointments system.
Mr Sharp resigned after a report found he had failed to properly declare his involvement in helping then PM Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan.
Ms Powell has also demanded to know whether he was given a payout after quitting his top job on Friday.
In a letter to her Tory counterpart Lucy Frazer, she wrote: “Conservative Prime Ministers giving jobs to friends has done untold damage to the reputation of the BBC and undermined its independence. I am concerned the appointment of Sharp’s successor could be mired in the same cronyism and sleaze that led to the current mess and
I would like reassurances that the process will be made more independent.” Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby wants a cross-party commission to appoint the next chair, and Match of the Day host Gary
Lineker tweeted: “The BBC chairman should not be selected by the government of the day. Not now, not ever.” Labour MP David Lammy called for a “formal investigation” into the affair.
Tory donor Mr Sharp – who took no salary as BBC chair – helped secure an £800,000 loan for Mr Johnson before the PM recommended him for the job.
Sir Peter Heppinstall’s report noted the support Mr Sharp received from No 10, telling MPS interviewing candidates he “looked like a strong candidate”. Ms Powell wants the Government to ensure ministers don’t “pre-select” candidates.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “The BBC Royal Charter sets out that the chair must be appointed in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, which states the ultimate responsibility for public appointments lies with ministers.