Gary Lineker steps into BBC chairman's row: 'Not now, never'

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Gary Lineker has fought his way over the nomination of BBC chairman Richard Sharp just weeks after he was suspended by the broadcaster for speaking out against the government.

Richard Sharp resigned on Friday after a report found he breached the Public Appointments Code by failing to declare two conflicts of interest when he was appointed.

This comes after the Tory donor helped set up a meeting with Boris Johnson to meet someone who could give him an £800,000 personal loan.

He also told the told the then prime minister that he wanted the job - and the nominating committee was told he was the 'only' candidate backed by ministers.

Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker posted a single tweet about the scandal

(PA Wire)< /figure>

Reacting to the News of his resignation, Match Of The Day host Lineker tweeted: “The BBC chairman should not be chosen by the government of the day. Not now, never."

His comments come after he was pulled from the air by the broadcaster in March after posting a tweet that sparked a line of bias that prompted the BBC to launch an independent review of his social media tips for freelancers.

Lineker later returned to his role presenting Match Of The Day following a boycott by many top talent on air.

In a statement following Mr Sharp's resignation, the BBC's board insisted the former chairman was "a person of integrity ".

The statement reads: "Richard has been a true advocate for the BBC, its mission and why the Society is an invaluable asset to the country, at home and abroad. the stranger.

"He has always had the impartiality of the BBC and a desire to see the organization thrive at the forefront of his work as chairman.

"We understand that the UK government is moving to quickly begin the process of appointing a new BBC chairman, in accordance with the terms of the BBC's charter."

Tim Davie, the BBC's chief executive, added: "On behalf of the BBC Executive, I would like to thank Ri...