Beard rejected for museum role ‘for pro-eu views’

The British Museum was told its bid to appoint Professor Mary Beard as a trustee was rejected by No10 Downing Street because of her pro-european views, it has emerged.

The classicist, 65, was turned down last year at the end of Theresa May’s premiership.

Whitehall sources said that the decision to reject her had been made because she had often aired pro-remain views on social media, according to reports.

Sir John Tusa, a former trustee, said: “This is an absolute scandal.”