Top brass Key figures cleared of wrongdoing

James Harding Head of news at the BBC when Bashir rejoined the corporation, Harding had ultimate responsibility for the appointment. He had met Bashir to discuss the role on Aug 8 2016, 18 days before an advert was published.

Jonathan Munro The BBC’S deputy director, news, “had some recollection” of Martin Bashir’s deceit in securing his interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, and had flagged up concerns to James Harding but Bashir was rehired anyway.

Lord Hall Director-general of the BBC when Bashir was rehired, Hall was head of news when the scandal of how Bashir had obtained the Princess Diana interview was first disclosed. Hall insisted he played no part in Bashir’s rehiring.