In a Commons culture, media and sport select committee meeting yesterday, chairman-designate of the BBC, Lord Chris Patten, stated that he will not cut down his business interests or his political membership when he takes the job.

Fears of conflicts of interest, or of him being a Conservative placeman, have been voiced by MPs.

Nevertheless, Patten has promised to resign from his position as president of the Richmond Park Conservative Association.

Patten will be the only modern day BBC chairman who has retained his political affiliation, and will be earning £110 000 a year.