Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lord Holme resigns as chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission

Andrea Babbington
Saturday 21 October 2000 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Broadcasting Standards Commission chairman Lord Holme today resigned following newspaper revelations about his private life.

Broadcasting Standards Commission chairman Lord Holme today resigned following newspaper revelations about his private life.

In a personal statement, the Lib Dem peer admitted an extramarital affair over a three-year period, though he said it was now over.

The 64-year-old father of four said: "My wife Kay and I have been married for 42 years and she wants it to be known that, although she felt very hurt when I told her of my infidelity, she is nevertheless determined, as am I, that we shall stay together at the heart of our family.

"I am glad of her love and grateful for her determination."

A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that the Secretary of State, Chris Smith, had accepted Lord Holme's resignation.

A letter from Mr Smith to the Peer said: "I was very sorry indeed to receive your letter of earlier today setting out your decision to resign as chairman of Broadcasting Standards Commission.

"While I understand and accept your reasons for wishing to stand down, I do so with the greatest of regret.

"You have given strong and clear leadership to the commission and your contribution as chairman will be greatly missed as we take forward our reform of broadcasting and communication regulation.

"I very much hope that this does not mark for you a permanent departure from public life."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in