Sugar faces calls to quit 'Apprentice'

A Tory MP has called for Sir Alan Sugar to quit The Apprentice following his decision to accept a job from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Amstrad tycoon was this week unveiled as the Government's new 'enterprise tsar', an advisory role which will see him helping to shape policies affecting small firms and entrepreneurs.

The news has led to allegations of a conflict of interest between Sugar's appointment and his long-running commitment to the BBC One reality series.

Culture Select Committee chairman and Conservative politician John Whittingdale told The Mail On Sunday: "In my view it is not possible for him to continue to present The Apprentice at the same time as he is so closely identified with the Government.

"I had assumed that by accepting the role as enterprise tsar he would stand down from his role in The Apprentice. His show is all about business and enterprise. He will be making recommendations on policy to Government.

"He is already a political figure - he has made no secret of his admiration for Gordon Brown. Either he is an influential figure in Government or this is just window-dressing."

However, Sugar has already dismissed the concerns in an interview with The Andrew Marr Show, insisting that he will not officially join the Government.

He continued: "As far as I'm concerned this is politically neutral. All I want to do is try and help business and entrepreneurs."

A BBC spokesperson added: "Sir Alan is in discussions with us about his plans and has assured us that he is determined not to do anything that would jeopardise his work at the BBC, which is something he values greatly."