The independent panel responsible for considering candidates to take over as chairman of the BBC has made its recommendation, with the public announcement expected to be made within the next three weeks.

Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced on Sunday that the recruitment panel had offered her one name. Jowell will then convey this recommendation to Prime Minister Tony Blair, who will in turn make the name known to the Queen. The appointment will then be confirmed by an Order In Council.

Speaking to the Sunday with Adam Boulton show on Sky News, Jowell said: "The report of the independent panel has now been received and the announcement of the successful candidate will be made in about three weeks. The important thing about this process is that it is a transparent one and one where the integrity of the process is subject to very close scrutiny, by our choice."