Richard Sharp: BBC chairman says Boris Johnson loan row 'a distraction'

Richard Sharp has defended his presumption arsenic BBC president amid scrutiny implicit his links with Boris Johnson.

Claims emerged implicit the play that the ex-banker was progressive successful securing a indebtedness of up to £800,000 for the then-prime minister.

Mr Sharp said helium had not been progressive successful a loan, a warrant oregon arranging immoderate financing.

In a connection to BBC employees, helium called the enactment "a distraction for the organisation, which I regret".

Mr Sharp said helium had ne'er hidden his longstanding narration with the erstwhile PM.

According to The Sunday Times, Mr Sharp was progressive successful helping to put a guarantor connected a indebtedness of up to £800,000 for Mr Johnson successful precocious 2020.

He was handpicked for the elder relation by Mr Johnson successful February 2021.

He told BBC unit "I judge firmly that I was appointed connected merit, which the Cabinet Office person besides confirmed".

Mr Johnson and the authorities person rejected suggestions determination was immoderate struggle of involvement involved.

Labour has called for the Commissioner for Public Appointments to afloat analyse the appointment.