BBC Chairman Richard Sharp resigned following a report that found he violated transparency laws in his dealings with Boris Johnson.
According to the investigation, he neglected to mention two potential perceived conflicts of interest when applying for the position.
First, Sharp informed then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he planned to apply before actually doing so. Johnson had the final say in who would be hired.
In the second, he informs Johnson that he would arrange a meeting between the UK’s top civil servant and a millionaire who wants to assist the Prime Minister with his finances.
The second point, according to Sharp, was “inadvertent and not material,” and he said he left his position to “prioritize the interests of the BBC.”
He’ll remain in charge until June.
According to a report, by not completely reporting his knowledge of the former prime minister’s personal affairs, he gave the appearance of a conflict of interest.
After it turned out that he attempted to arrange a high-level government meeting for Canadian businessman Sam Blyth, who was providing Johnson with financial assistance, his position came under scrutiny.
Sharp defended his actions as he announced his resignation but claimed he didn’t want to be a distraction.
Sharp’s friend, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, stated that the procedure for selecting his replacement will follow the regular appointments process.
Sunak, according to opposition parties, ought to have fired Sharp sooner and demanded that the new BBC chair be chosen independently of the executive branch of government.