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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Peter Walker Political correspondent

Richard Sharp says he told PM he wanted BBC chair job before applying

BBC chairman Richard Sharp appearing before MPs.
The BBC chair, Richard Sharp, appearing before MPs on Tuesday. Photograph: House of Commons/PA

Richard Sharp, the BBC chair, has revealed he personally informed Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak that he wanted the job before he applied, as he underwent a sometimes brutal interrogation from MPs over alleged conflicts of interest.

Sharp, who was accused of exemplifying a “pals appointing pals” establishment culture, accepted he played a role in helping a wealthy businessman assist Johnson with his finances, but insisted his role was to “ensure due process was followed”.

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