UK

Dame Elan Closs Stephens appointed acting chairwoman of BBC

Dame Elan Closs Stephens has been appointed acting chairwoman of the BBC following Richard Sharp’s departure (PA)
Dame Elan Closs Stephens has been appointed acting chairwoman of the BBC following Richard Sharp’s departure (PA) Dame Elan Closs Stephens has been appointed acting chairwoman of the BBC following Richard Sharp’s departure (PA)
By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Dame Elan Closs Stephens has been appointed acting chairwoman of the BBC following Richard Sharp’s departure.

Mr Sharp resigned after publication of a report which found he broke the rules by failing to disclose that he played a role in getting then-prime minister Boris Johnson an £800,000 loan guarantee.

BBC chairman post
BBC chairman post Richard Sharp resigned as BBC chairman after failing to disclose his connection to a loan for former prime minister Boris Johnson (DCMS/PA)

The Government announced on Friday that Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has appointed Dame Elan as chairwoman of the BBC Board from June 27 for 12 months, or until a new permanent chairperson has been appointed, whichever is sooner.

Ms Frazer said: “I am pleased that Dame Elan will take up the position of acting chair of the BBC and has the unanimous support of the board.

“When she takes over, Dame Elan will provide stability in the leadership of the BBC while a process to appoint a new permanent chair is run.”