Overview
- In a letter published by Downing Street, Keir Starmer said he mistakenly confirmed he was “supportive” of David Kogan’s appointment despite an agreed recusal from football-related decisions.
- Starmer asked officials to examine how recusals are managed in No 10 after ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus described the involvement as regrettable and welcomed the review.
- An investigation by Sir William Shawcross found three breaches of the public appointments code in the DCMS process; Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy apologised and answered questions in the Commons.
- Kogan, a former media rights executive who donated to Starmer and Nandy, was confirmed as inaugural chair in October after being named preferred candidate in April and was first approached under the previous Conservative government.
- In a new interview, Kogan defended his independence and said he would resign if subjected to political interference.