BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten stands down after health problems
BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten will stand down from the role on health ground following major heart surgery.
Standing down: Lord Patten
His position will be taken on by vice chairman Diane Coyle until a successor is appointed. Lord Patten underwent heart surgery in April after being admitted to hospital with chest pains, and was told by doctors that he could not continue to work “at the same pace”.
In a statement, Lord Patten said: “This is a position that required and has received from me 100 per cent commitment and has been my priority at all times.
“It would not be fair to my family to continue as before; and equally it would not be fair to the BBC and those it serves not to be able to give that commitment which the role demands.”
Lord Patten added that he will revisit his role when the BBC’s Royal Charter comes up for review in 2016 but would make no further comment before then.
“When in due course the future of the BBC is subject to further discussion at Charter Review time, I hope to say more on the issue,” he said. “For the time being, however, I shall be making no further statement whatsoever about the BBC or my period as chairman of the BBC Trust.”
In response to Lord Patten's resignation letter, culture secretary Sajid Javid, said: "It is with regret that the Government accepts your resignation. Over the last three years under your chairmanship you have steered the Trust successfully through some great moments for the BBC including coverage of the Olympics and continuing to deliver high quality original programming that is exported around the world.
"You have also embraced the challenges that have confronted the BBC, putting in place improvements to governance and building a stronger executive team helping the BBC to move forward with confidence. Throughout you have shown an unfettered personal commitment to securing the best outcome for the public.
"I wish to thank you for all that you have done for the BBC and wish you all the best for the future."
Lord Patten became chairman of the BBC Trust in May 2011 and oversaw one of the corporation’s most turbulent periods following the child sex abuse revelations regarding Jimmy Savile, and the BBC’s failed £100m Digital Media Initiative, which was eventually scrapped.
Last year, Lord Patten was criticised by former BBC director-general Greg Dyke, the £450,000 payout to George Entwistle – who served as director-general for only 54 days in 2012 – had damaged his position.