Head of watchdog recuses himself from BBC chair inquiry

William Shawcross said an independent person would be selected by his office to look at Sharp’s hiring as BBC chair. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

The head of an investigation into Richard Sharp’s appointment as the BBC chair has recused himself from the process, admitting the pair have met several times.

William Shawcross, the commissioner for public appointments, said an independent person would be selected by his office to look at Sharp’s hiring, and said he would “play no part in this particular investigation”.