Richard Sharp, the former BBC chairman whose tenure was cut short by controversy surrounding his involvement in arranging a loan for Boris Johnson, has died at the age of 67. The accomplished financier and philanthropist passed away on Saturday after a short illness, leaving behind a complex legacy spanning high finance, public broadcasting, and political controversy.
From Banking Titan to Broadcasting Chief
Sharp's journey to one of Britain's most prominent public roles began in the competitive world of high finance. After studying philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University, he embarked on what would become an extraordinarily successful 23-year career at Goldman Sachs, eventually rising to become the investment bank's chairman in the UK.
His financial acumen extended beyond the banking world into Conservative politics, where he served as an adviser to Chancellor Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic. This role demonstrated the trust placed in his economic judgment during one of the country's most challenging periods in recent history.
In February 2021, Sharp's diverse experience led to his appointment as BBC chairman, taking on the responsibility of steering Britain's national broadcaster through a period of significant change and challenge.
The Loan Controversy That Ended a Career
Sharp's tenure at the BBC was abruptly shortened by revelations about his involvement in facilitating a financial arrangement for then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. An official report found he had broken the rules by failing to declare his involvement in arranging a guarantee for an £800,000 loan facility for Johnson.
The controversy centred on whether Sharp had properly disclosed his role as an intermediary between Johnson and Canadian businessman Sam Blyth, who was a distant cousin of the prime minister. This breach of the governance code for public appointments led to mounting pressure from across the political spectrum.
In April 2023, after just over two years in the role, Sharp announced his resignation, acknowledging that he had inadvertently breached the governance code. His departure marked a stunning fall from grace for someone who had been regarded as one of the City's most respected figures.
A Legacy Beyond Controversy
Despite the dramatic end to his BBC career, Sharp's broader contributions to British public life extended far beyond those turbulent final months. He was known for his extensive philanthropic work, particularly in supporting the Royal Academy of Arts, where he served as treasurer for nearly a decade.
His commitment to the arts saw him play a crucial role in major initiatives, including the development of the academy's Burlington Gardens site. Colleagues remembered him as a transformative figure in the institution's recent history.
Beyond the arts, Sharp served as chairman of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and as a trustee of the Royal Marsden cancer hospital, demonstrating his wide-ranging commitment to public service institutions.
Sharp is survived by his wife, Fran, and their three children, who remember a man of immense intellect, generosity, and complex legacy. His death marks the passing of one of Britain's most influential, if controversial, figures who bridged the worlds of high finance, politics, and culture with both remarkable success and ultimately, dramatic failure.
