BBC clears Yentob over expenses

The BBC today cleared arts chief Alan Yentob of allegations that he had misused his expenses account.

John Smith, the corporation's chief operating officer, had been investigating allegations both made in the press and by individuals regarding Yentob's use of his expense budget "and a number of related matters," the BBC confirmed today.

"I am satisfied that there has been no dishonesty on Alan's part," said the BBC's director general, Mark Thompson. "I am also satisfied, on the basis of the evidence, that Alan's reputation for honesty and integrity in his work is fully justified."

A press release from the corporation did however mention that Smith's report suggested that Yentob "had taken insufficient care over some aspects of his affairs at the BBC." It went on to say that Thompson had agreed "steps... to correct this" with Yentob and that it had happened while Yentob's workload was "very high."

"It was in everyone's interest, including Alan's, that the allegations should be investigated thoroughly," explained Thompson. "Nonetheless I regret that Alan has had to endure a great deal of unfair press speculation during the process. I hope that he and we can now put this matter behind us and that Alan can focus all his energies on his task as one of the BBC's key creative leaders."