Timeline of key events leading to Richard Sharp's resignation over 'Cash for Boris' row

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BBC chairman Richard Sharp has resigned following a report by lawyer Adam Heppinstall KC which found he had breached the governance code for public appointments.

Mr. Sharp became embroiled in the crony line earlier this year after it emerged he helped Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility.

Here are some of the key events which led to the publication of the report.

< p>September 2020: Richard Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs banker who advises the government on the economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, is contacted by old friend Sam Blyth , a distant cousin of then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Mr Blyth says he wants to help Mr Johnson with his financial difficulties.

October 2020: Recruitment process opens for next BBC chairman.

November 2020: Mr Sharp submits his application for the BBC post. He has already discussed this with Mr Johnson.

Late November 2020: Mr Blyth reconnects with Mr Sharp, asking him to arrange a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, the most senior civil servant of Whitehall.

December 2020: Mr Sharp meets with Mr Case to discuss Mr Blyth's request to meet and the offer of assistance to Mr Johnson. They agreed that Mr Sharp should no longer be involved in the case.

January 6, 2021: Mr Sharp is named the government's preferred candidate for BBC chairman.

January 14, 2021: The House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee holds a pre-nomination hearing with Mr Sharp. They are unaware of his role in facilitating the £800,000 loan guarantee for Mr Johnson from Mr Blyth.

January 15, 2021: The committee concludes that he will pleased to confirm Mr Sharp's appointment.

February 16, 2021: Mr Sharp officially takes over as Chairman of the BBC, a four-year appointment.

January 21, 2023: The Sunday Times reports Mr Sharp's involvement in facilitating the loan guarantee.

January 23, 2023: Mr Sharp writes to BBC staff to say he is 'really sorry' the matter has become...