Richard Sharp has said there was 'no conflict of interest' over his role in helping Boris Johnson secure a loan before being appointed BBC chairman
The former banker has confirmed he introduced his close friend Sam Blyth to cabinet secretary Simon Case in late 2020, to discuss whether Mr Blyth could act as a guarantor for a loan facility for Mr Johnson.
In an interview with the broadcaster today, Mr Sharp said that a decision was made by Mr Case that there was no conflict of interest, nor the perception of one. The Sunday Times reported he ended up being a guarantor of a loan of £800,000 to the former PM, who oversaw Mr Sharp's appointment.According to the Sunday Times the loan guarantee was first suggested by Canadian millionaire Sam Blyth during a dinner with Richard Sharp.In early December, Richard Sharp put Sam Blyth in contact with the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case.Before the end of the year, Richard Sharp and Sam Blyth met with Boris Johnson for dinner at his country residence, Chequers.
He added:"I had clarified and agreed with the cabinet secretary, both of us had the judgement that I'd avoided a conflict or a perception of conflict."
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