Commissioner quits investigation into Richard Sharp’s appointment as BBC chairman

William Shawcross has recused himself from the inquiry into Richard Sharp’s appointment as chairman of the BBC.

Mr Shawcross, the Commissioner for Public Appointments who would have been responsible for reaching a judgment, confirmed his decision in a letter published this afternoon.

He wrote: “As I have met Mr Sharp on previous occasions, I have decided to recuse myself from this particular investigation.

“I will be delegating my powers as Commissioner under the 2019 Order in council to an independent person, who will be appointed by my office for this one investigation.”

The investigation into Mr Sharp is taking place following claims that he helped Boris Johnson arrange a guarantee on a loan of up to £800,000 while Mr Johnson was the prime minister.

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