Birt, John

[marky]

Name: John Birt
BBC Position: Director General (1992 - 2000)
Hat Tip: Marcellus

"At the time of his appointment he was a paid up member of the Labour party.

According to fellow broadcaster Peter Bazalgette writing in the Observer :- "....his streak of ruthlessness helped turn the BBC ....into the most powerful political lobby in Britain."

He reportedly left with a payout of £784,000 and an annual pension of £130,000.

He is reported to have been a friend of Peter Mandelson since they worked together at LWT - they have been on Tuscan walking holidays together and Mandelson was Birt's guest at the 1997 FA Cup Final. Former "Crime Czar", later became an adviser on transport in the Cabinet Office Forward Strategy Unit. He was appointed "Personal Strategic Adviser to Tony Blair"." Marcellus

"In 2001 Tony Blair appointed Birt as his personal advisor, for what was termed "Blue Skies thinking"; it is thought his long-standing friendship with Peter Mandelson had a role in his appointment. His role in government was controversial, since as a special advisor, rather than a civil servant, he is not formally obliged to face questions from House of Commons Select committees." Wiki