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BBC chief quits amid scandal over role in Boris Johnson loan
NBCDec 24, 2022
The Facts
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) chairman Richard Sharp resigned on Friday after an independent report claimed he didn't adequately disclose a potential conflict of interest in his role in securing a loan for former PM Boris Johnson prior to his appointment.
The former banker helped facilitate an £800K ($1M) loan to Johnson in 2020, having been approached by Canadian businessman and friend Sam Blyth over the matter. Sharp was appointed BBC chairman in February 2021.
The Spin
Left narrative
Sharp was right to have gone and should've left sooner. This story is yet another example of the toxic Johnson and Tory hierarchy attempting to jockey right-wing supporters within what should be independent selection processes. For the BBC to remain a trusted source, Sharp had to go.
Right narrative
While this incident was undeniably an oversight on Sharp's part, it isn't a deliberate case of cronyism as portrayed by the media. Sharp has taken accountability for his error by stepping down, and that should be the end of this so-called scandal.
