Sharp’s resignation as BBC chair may be a problem for Sunak – and opportunity

Some believe the affair could give Rishi Sunak a political boost and further dent the reputation of Boris Johnson, who remains his most likely rival as Tory leader. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA

Rishi Sunak used to work for Richard Sharp at Goldman Sachs. He brought him into government as an adviser during the pandemic. And on Friday he formally accepted his resignation as BBC chair.

Given the pair’s long relationship, Sharp’s resignation after failing to declare his role in facilitating an £800,000 loan for the former prime minister Boris Johnson might be expected to cause a political problem for the prime minister.