In September 2020, Richard Sharp was contacted by his friend Sam Blyth, a distant cousin of Mr Johnson, who said he wanted to help the Prime Minister with his financial problems.The following month, the recruitment process to find the next chairman of the BBC opened, with Mr Sharp submitting his application in November after discussing it with Mr Johnson.
The Government’s choice is ultimately decided by the Prime Minister, on the advice of the Culture Secretary, who is in turn advised by a panel.On 14 January, 2021, the DCMS Committee held a pre-appointment hearing with Mr Sharp, but were not informed about his role in helping facilitate the £800,000 loan guarantee for Mr Johnson from Mr Blyth.He formally took up the four-year position the following month.
Commissioner for Public Appointments William Shawcross then said he would review the competition which led to Mr Sharp getting the plum BBC position.He later recused himself as he had met Mr Sharp on several occasions, with Adam Heppinstall KC appointed to lead the investigation. His actions “constitute a breach of the standards expected of individuals” applying for prominent public appointments, the committee found.As the row over Lineker’s criticism of the Governments migrant policy deepened, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on Mr Sharp to resign.