The Prime Minister, who previously worked at Goldman Sachs with BBC chairman Richard Sharp, stated that the controversy surrounding Gary Lineker’s Twitter outburst lacked perspective.
Rishi Sunak declined to endorse the BBC chairman and emphasized that his appointment was made by his predecessor, Boris Johnson.
Richard Sharp has been dragged into the BBC controversy over Gary Lineker due to his close ties to the government and his involvement when Boris Johnson was prime minister and contemplating taking out a massive loan. The circumstances surrounding his appointment are being reviewed by the commissioner of appointments.
The Prime Minister was asked if Sharp is trustworthy to run the BBC. The position is vested in the government. And the BBC has made it plain that ministers have the authority to remove the incumbent.
Mr. Sunak was formerly employed by Mr. Sharp at Goldman Sachs, and the two are longtime allies. Shortly after becoming chancellor, Mr. Sunak hired Mr. Sharp as a consultant for the Treasury.
Traveling to San Diego, Mr. Sunak declined to respond to questions about their relationship or his integrity and instead told reporters: “Richard Sharp went through an independent appointments process at the time that I had nothing to do with – he was appointed before I was prime minister, but also the Chair of Publics appointments has asked, a leading KC, has asked to review – to re-review – that appointments process so there is not much I can say more that’s ongoing, but it’s right in that process concludes.
It provides individuals with the confidence they require.
Mr. Sunak said the BBC-Gary Lineker dispute lacked “perspective” and should be settled quickly.
“I hope they can resolve it expeditiously. Gary Lineker was a wonderful footballer and a talented presenter, but they must resolve this issue on their own.
Tens of thousands of people illegally entering our country is a very real problem, and I believe we need a compassionate and effective response, and I believe the government’s proposals are precisely that.
