Trevor Phillips tipped to become BBC Chair

Operation Black Vote has learned from a senior source in Government that the former Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is being seriously considered to be the next Chair of the BBC.

Before moving from the CRE to become the first Chair of the EHRC, Phillips had a long career in journalism and as a TV executive. For many years he fronted his own programme, 'The London Programme'.

Many insiders thought that the former Olympian Lord Coe would take the role, but he recently ruled himself out citing his commitments to the Olympic movement. With Coe out of the running, the Government has once again begun their search to replace Lord Patten.

Although many would view the appointment of Phillips as a maverick move if he was given the job by the  Prime Minister David Cameron, particularly given that  is not a member of the Conservative party, he is  however, seen as safe and often with a conservative -small c- outlook. This then may have appeal from both Right and Left of the political divide.

The other big factor which is critical to Cameron will of course be next year’s General Election. Here the BME vote could be the deciding factor. This is a key area for PM, and he has already shown he will promote talented BME individuals to high office. For example, half the Conservative BME MP’s have all benefited from his patronage by being given Ministerial positions, including Sajid Javid MP the first BME Secretary of State.

Phillips no doubt would see this as a supreme challenge. The BBC is the heartbeat of the British establishment. Moreover, globally it is a British icon that is truly revered.

We tried to contact Trevor Phillips but he was unavailable for comment.

Simon Woolley