Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey departs BBC after David Sullivan allegations

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey has officially departed the station after 16 years.

His exit follows a period of absence from his show, which began nearly two months ago amid scrutiny over his past role as editor-in-chief for newspapers owned by David Sullivan.

The 62-year-old broadcaster had announced in June that he would be stepping away for a "short time" after allegations concerning both the West Ham co-owner and Livesey were highlighted in a Panorama investigation.

A note sent to BBC colleagues from Radio 5 Live controller, Heidi Dawson, said: “I wanted to let you know that Tony Livesey has decided to leave his presenting role on 5 Live.

“Tony has worked at 5 Live for 16 years and was the first voice for us on air as we launched from our new home in Salford.

“Tony has been at the heart of our coverage of every major news and sporting event for a decade and a half.

“Tony has asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to the brilliant colleagues at 5 Live who he has had the pleasure of working with over the years. I know many of you have also really enjoyed working with Tony, and we wish him well for all his future endeavours.”

The Panorama investigation aired questions for Livesey, who edited the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport, and one alleged victim said he had arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan (BBC Panorama)

In June, the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.

Mr Sullivan, 77, quit as chairman of the east London football club to fight what he claimed were “false allegations” about his conduct.

The accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport.

The investigation also aired questions for Livesey, who edited the papers, and one alleged victim said he had arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan.

Tony Livesey stepped away from presenting his BBC 5 Live show when questions were raised about his previous career as editor-in-chief of newspapers owned by David Sullivan (PA)

Livesey told the Times he had “no recollection” of introducing the young woman to Sullivan and that it was “not part” of his job to do so.

The broadcaster covered a range of sporting events on the station including the London and Paris Olympics and Wimbledon.

He also reported from the Falkland Islands, RAF Akrotiri and covered Brexit.