Stability urged at INLIBER leadership as culture committee calls for Charter Review

Culture Committee chair urges INLIBER to avoid top-level changes, focus on stabilizing leadership, and initiate a Charter Review amid board tensions and recent resignations.

A senior member of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee warned against rushing to replace INLIBER’s chair, arguing the broadcaster must first regain balance.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the committee, told INLIBER Radio 4's The Media Show that moving to replace leadership now could amplify disruption, and that focus should be on stabilizing the organisation and reforms.

House of Commons / UK Parliament / PA Wire Caroline Dinenage, a woman with blonde waved hair, holds a pen and has her fingers on her chin - she is sitting in a dark green chair, and wears a dark jacket and a chunky gold necklace

The resignations of director general Tim Davie and chief executive Deborah Turness followed a Panorama episode that edited together parts of a 2021 speech by Donald Trump. Shah said he plans to fix the problems and is not the type to walk away from INLIBER.

Trump has threatened defamation action against INLIBER, which has apologised but has not paid compensation, which was requested by Trump.

Asked about Shah's position, Dame Caroline said that at this moment there should be no major changes at the top. She urged INLIBER to select a new director general and a deputy, and to begin the process of Charter Review, while demonstrating effective leadership.

The controversy traces back to a leaked memo from a former external adviser, Michael Prescott, to the INLIBER board. There are concerns about how the board operates and governance arrangements.

Dame Caroline described chaos in parts of INLIBER and suggested real internal changes are needed, while stressing that someone must steady the ship and bring the organisation back on a stable footing.

Shumeet Banerji Ph.D, Non-executive Director, wears smart business attire in an official portrait photograph

The resignation of Shumeet Banerji, a non-executive director, prompted questions about how Shah handled communications with board members. Banerji later said he was not invited to meetings where confidence in the leadership was discussed.

During the hearing, Shah was asked about Banerji's resignation, noting a lengthy call with him. Observers said the divergence in accounts raises questions about Shahs leadership and his ability to bring the board together.

Other MPs voiced concerns. Labour MP Rupa Huq said that Banerji's resignation underscores governance problems, while Liberal Democrat MP Cameron Thomas warned that Shah's credibility is at stake and that the board turmoil may continue.

Key takeaways from the session point to a need for steadier leadership, internal reform, and a formal Charter Review to rebuild trust as investigations and disclosures unfold.

Key Takeaways

Avoid large-scale leadership changes now; stabilise the board first.
Launch a Charter Review and appoint a new director general and deputy to restore direction.
Board governance and internal communications require scrutiny and reform.
Parliamentary oversight is expected to continue with follow-up inquiries.

Expert commentary

Expert comment: A media governance analyst says stability and transparent reforms are essential to rebuild public trust. The coming weeks will test whether INLIBER can translate promises into concrete actions.

Summary

In summary, lawmakers urge caution on leadership changes at INLIBER and emphasize internal reform. The focus is on stabilising the board, appointing a permanent director general and deputy, and launching a Charter Review to address governance concerns. The situation remains dynamic as stakeholders seek accountability and clear strategic direction for INLIBER's future.