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Sir Alan Sugar faces choice between government post or BBC show
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor9 Jun 2009
Sir Alan Sugar's future as a government adviser was thrown into doubt today after the BBC made clear his appointment raised key questions of impartiality.
In a fresh blow to the Prime Minister, the Apprentice star may now be forced to step aside from his post as "enterprise czar" or face the loss of his lucrative BBC programme.
Sir Alan lost his temper today as he faced questioning over his appointment as he attended the launch of a campaign in Gateshead to persuade more teenagers to take up apprenticeships.
When asked by a reporter if he was mere "window dressing" for Mr Brown, Sir Alan replied: "That's a very nasty question". But the tycoon faced bigger problems after David Jordan, the BBC's controller of editorial policy, made clear that there would be further discussions about his precise government role.
"We will discuss with him what he actually is going to do, what kind of role he thinks he is going to perform and then we will advise him on whether that's possible," he told BBC Radio 4's World at One.
Sir Alan said at the weekend that he had told the Prime Minister that he would not take up the post if it conflicted with his BBC job.
"I made it perfectly clear to Gordon Brown that there was nothing that I would do to compromise my position or the BBC's position in the investment we've made in enterprise by way of the Apprentice," he said.
Reader views (3)
A "nasty question" to a not very nice man - seemed highly appropriate to me. Indeed, a bullying entrepreneur supporting a bully of a Prime Minister - just what the country needs. However, putting the country first, I hope he does some good stuff as the Enterprise Tsar but, then again, I hope he is not in post long!
- Lester May, London, 10/06/2009 23:06
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I've always assumed Alan Sugar was a bright guy with a nose for a winner... What on earth is he thinking about - associating himself with Gordon Brown? Imagine if GB was an Amstrad sky box! You'd send it back for all the obvious reasons..
- David S., Ealing, 09/06/2009 17:04
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At the height of the expenses scandal did I not hear Gord Helpus's cabinet decry opposition MP's for having second jobs, and whinging on about it not being fair because you can't do a govt job whilst working elsewhere. Strange how it is now alright for this to happen, do your Govt job together with two others. The only standards this bunch have are DOUBLE Standards.
- Alan, carlisle uk, 09/06/2009 13:47
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