The BBC's mantra is that impartiality - and the perception of impartiality - must be at its core.

Yet following revelations in The Sunday Times we are coming to understand the nature of the relationship between the former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his financial needs, and the current Chairman of the BBC - an old friend of his, Richard Sharp.

Today, we ask why the Chairman failed to declare details that might have compromised that impartiality. And we speak to former Chair of the BBC Board Diane Coyle, who is horrified at what has emerged.

We approached the BBC for comment before publishing this episode.

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

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The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.