Commons committee approves Richard Sharp as BBC chairman

Appointment of former Goldman Sachs banker Richard Sharp as the next chairman of the BBC is approved by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

  • The former Goldman Sachs banker faced questions from committee on Thursday
  • Committee chairman Julian Knight said Mr Sharp ‘impressed’ the MPs
  • Mr Sharp was chosen by the Government as its preferred candidate for the post 

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has approved the appointment of Richard Sharp as next BBC chairman.

The former Goldman Sachs banker, who was chosen by the Government as its preferred candidate for the post, faced questions from the committee on Thursday.

In a report on the session, the committee said it was impressed by his understanding of business, the BBC’s public service commitments and the need to compete in the changing global media landscape.

It said that initial reservations over his lack of editorial experience had been overcome.

However, MPs said Mr Sharp had failed to convince them he had the knowledge needed to get to grips with the issue of equal pay at the BBC.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has approved the appointment of Richard Sharp (pictured) as next BBC chairman

Mr Sharp will take over from Sir David Clementi in February as the BBC faces scrutiny over issues including equal pay, diversity, free TV licences for the over-75s and competition from streaming services such as Netflix, plus the coronavirus pandemic.

Committee chairman Julian Knight said: ‘Richard Sharp impressed the DCMS Committee with his understanding of how the BBC needs to compete and perform while delivering public service value in a changing media world. We wish him well in the challenges ahead.

‘We have outstanding questions on equal pay at the BBC and it’s a matter of urgency that, as incoming chair, he gets up to speed with these as quickly as possible and comes back to us with answers.

‘We have previously expressed concerns about the way the appointments process was conducted, particularly in the briefing of preferred names at an early stage. 

‘We note that our view is shared by the Commissioner for Public Appointments who recognises the damage done and has called for people briefing on or behalf of ministers to keep their views to themselves.’