Dinner with Boris Johnson was to ‘bat for the BBC’, says chairman

Richard Sharp says his appointment done ‘by the book’, as he shares details of meal with then-PM

BBC chair Richard Sharp has said he only went to dinner at Chequers with Boris Johnson to “bat” on behalf of the broadcaster, as he again denied any conflict of interest.

Mr Sharp said he believed his selection process was conducted “by the book” following claims that he helped the then-prime minister secure a loan of up to £800,000.

The chair has been facing calls to stand down after it emerged that in late 2020 he had introduced billionaire Sam Blyth to cabinet secretary Simon Case to discuss whether the billionaire could act as a guarantor for the credit line.