Richard Sharp says ‘no conflict of interest’ in appointment as BBC chair

Richard Sharp (left) says he was not involved in any discussions about Boris Johnson’s finances. Photograph: House of Commons/PA

Richard Sharp has insisted he had no conflict of interest when he was appointed the chair of the BBC by Boris Johnson, despite allegations he helped secure a loan of up to £800,000 for the prime minister only weeks earlier.

The BBC chair said on Tuesday he was confident he was given the job in 2021 “on merit” and said he would not step down.