, Labour’s Shadow Culture
Secretary, responding to Adam Heppinstall’s report -
following Labour’s call for an investigation - into the
appointment of Richard Sharp as BBC, said:
“I have this morning received the report of the investigation
into Richard Sharp which Labour instigated.
“The report is clear: Mr Sharp breached the rules expected of
candidates by failing to disclose his involvement in a personal
loan to the then PM.
“As a result, this breach has caused untold damage to the
reputation of the BBC and seriously undermined its independence
as a result of the Conservatives’ sleaze and cronyism.
“This comes after 13 years of the Tories doing everything they
can to defend themselves and their mates. From Owen Patterson to
, and now Richard Sharp,
instead of doing what’s best for the country the Prime Minister
was more interested in defending his old banking boss. The Prime
Minister should have sacked him weeks ago. Instead it took
this investigation, called by Labour, to make him resign.
“Rishi Sunak should urgently establish a truly independent and
robust process to replace Sharp to help restore the esteem of the
BBC after his government has tarnished it so much.”
Ends
Notes:
Labour has established an Independent BBC Review Panel to look at
how we ensure the future success and sustainability of the BBC as
a publicly funded universal public service broadcaster, that is
independent of Government, and continues to be celebrated and
respected in the UK and around the world.
