Tony Livesey on break from BBC radio show following Panorama allegations

Tony Livesey on break from BBC radio show following Panorama allegations The presenter worked for many years with David Sullivan - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments BBC presenter Tony Livesey has asked to “step back” from his radio show after questions were raised about his previous career as the editor-in-chief of newspapers owned by David Sullivan. The BBC said the 62-year-old presenter would be stepping away from presenting his show on BBC Radio 5 Live for “a short time” following allegations made about the West Ham co-owner and Livesey in a Panorama investigation. The corporation said it is taking the allegations “seriously”. A joint investigation by the BBC and The Times reported the accounts of seven women who claimed Mr Sullivan engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour. Mr Sullivan has denied the allegations. A BBC spokesperson said: “The Panorama investigation included allegations about Tony Livesey which we take seriously. “We also note Tony has firmly denied the allegations. He has asked to step back from presenting his radio show for a short period and we will be considering the matters raised by the programme. “We will not be commenting further at this stage.” The investigation also raised questions for Livesey, who edited the papers, with one alleged victim stating that he had arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan. Livesey told The Times he had “no recollection” of introducing the young woman to Sullivan and that it was “not part” of his job to do so. The journalist added that he had "great sympathy for a woman who may have become a victim", but rejected any suggestion that he had played "any role whatsoever in that scenario" and said he found the allegation "abhorrent". Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Tony Livesey first worked for the BBC in local radio when he presented a Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Lancashire in 2006, before he moved on to host the Breakfast show on the station. The journalist has since presented late-night shows, breakfast programmes and the weekday Drive programme on BBC Radio 5 Live. Livesey last hosted his late-night show on 4 June, with Qasa Alom temporarily filling the slot. Mr Sullivan, 77, recently quit as chairman of the east London football club to fight what he claimed were “false allegations” about his conduct. The accounts from the women date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when he owned tabloid newspapers the Daily Sport and the Sunday Sport. On its investigation, A Met Police spokesperson said: “We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed. “As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate enquiries carried out.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments