Richard Sharp’s future as BBC chair in doubt over ‘very uncomfortable’ report

Richard Sharp was nominated for the BBC job by Boris Johnson, but failed to reveal that he helped an acquaintance arrange a loan for the then PM. Photograph: Department for Digital, Culture/AFP/Getty Images

Richard Sharp’s future as chair of the BBC is in doubt as he awaits the publication of a “very uncomfortable” report on how he was recommended for the job by the former prime minister Boris Johnson.

Sharp, a former Conservative party donor, was handed the task of overseeing the national broadcaster in 2021, leading to accusations of cronyism and a Tory takeover of the BBC’s management.