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Samir Shah: MPs voice 'serious reservations' about new BBC chairman

Reuters Samir Shah, who has been chosen as the British government's preferred candidate to chair the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), arrives at the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, December 13Reuters
Samir Shah was the BBC's head of political programmes between 1994-98

MPs who grilled the incoming BBC chairman have "serious reservations" about some of his attributes.

Samir Shah appeared in front of a House of Commons committee on Wednesday ahead of his formal appointment.

He is the government's preferred candidate for the post, and in remarks published on Friday the committee agreed he was "appointable as chair".

However, they questioned whether Dr Shah had the necessary "strength and character" to challenge BBC executives.

At the hearing, he discussed issues including Gary Lineker's social media use, but the MPs said he "declined to express an opinion" about matters like changes to local radio and cuts to Newsnight.

He was also asked about his opinion of allegations that a BBC board member - former Downing Street communications director Sir Robbie Gibb - had attempted to interfere in editorial matters and in the choice of a new chairperson for media regulator Ofcom.

The MPs' report said: "We were disappointed that Dr Shah was not willing to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality.

"In his evidence to us, Dr Shah did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength and character that is needed to challenge the executive leadership of the BBC."

It added: "While we are of the view that Dr Shah is appointable as chair, we have serious reservations about his willingness to offer his opinions and insight on some of the most fundamental issues facing the corporation, and his ability to provide the robust challenge that the BBC leadership requires at this time."

At the hearing, Dr Shah said he would discuss those issues with acting chairperson Dame Elan Closs Stephens, but repeatedly told the committee he wanted to wait to see evidence and speak to those involved before reaching a judgement.

'Well equipped'

The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee is able to question the preferred candidate to be BBC chairperson, but it operates separately from the government, which ultimately makes the appointment.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport welcomed the committee's view that Dr Shah was "appointable".

They said: "Dr Shah's over-40-year career in TV production and journalism coupled with his ambition to see the BBC succeed make him well equipped to take on the job. We will review the committee's recommendations in greater detail and respond in due course."

Dr Shah, 71, previously held a series of roles at the BBC, including as its head of television current affairs and head of political programmes.

As chairman of the BBC's board, he will be in charge of upholding and protecting the BBC's independence and ensuring the BBC fulfils its mission to inform, educate and entertain.

He will also lead negotiations with the government over the future of the licence fee.

The BBC said it would not comment on the MPs' report.