Guto Bebb: Former Tory MP to become chair of S4C

Former Tory MP Guto Bebb has been appointed as interim chair of S4C.

The 55-year-old will take over at the scandal-hit broadcaster when its current chair Rhodri Williams leaves on 1 April.

The publicly-funded organisation has faced a string of bullying allegations and saw its chief executive Sian Doyle fired.

A number of staff are said to have left the channel over a "toxic culture".

The position of chair became available after current boss Mr Williams said he does not want a second term in charge at the station.

He has faced scrutiny over his handling of difficulties at the broadcaster, which became dogged by allegations of inappropriate behaviour last year.

Committees at the Senedd and in Westminster both concluded that Mr Williams should be replaced once his term ends, and in January he revealed he had written to the UK government asking not to be considered for the position again.

He called the past year "the toughest year S4C has ever had".

Mr Bebb's appointment comes from Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, and his term at S4C will last until 31 March 2025 or until a new permanent chair is brought in.

He is the group managing director of the Farmers Union of Wales, having previously MP for Aberconwy between 2010 and 2019.

During his time in Westminster he served as under secretary of state for Wales and a procurement minister at the Ministry of Defence, and was a senior government whip in both David Cameron and Theresa May's administrations.

Mr Bebb quit government in July 2018, after accusing May of making concessions to Brexiteers.

He resigned in order to vote against the amendments which had been accepted to the Brexit Customs Bill, changes which he believed undermined the UK's position in negotiations with Brussels.

He then had the Conservative whip removed in September 2019 and served his remaining months as an independent.

In addition to his ministerial roles Mr Bebb was also a long-standing member of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, whilst also being a member of the Public Accounts Committee during his time at Westminster.

Commenting on Mr Bebb's appointment, shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said: "This is welcome, but hard work to address recent concerns around governance, leadership and organisational culture needs to begin immediately.

"Wales needs a public broadcaster that is firing on all cylinders, nurturing its staff and their skills, showing excellent programmes and demonstrating value for taxpayers' money."