Bye Bye, Botney?

Let’s hope so. Botney is, of course, Alan Yentob. Private Eye gave him this nickname – Yentob backwards – and it’s wonderfully disrespectful to one so pompous. Once controller of BBC1, Botney has somehow re-invented himself as a presenter of arts programmes, as well as being the BBC’s “Creative Director”. He was also Chairman of Trustees of Kids’ Company, the children’s charity which closed amid rumours of gross financial mis-conduct. Botney stands accused of abusing his BBC position to influence government policy, so that position is now seen as untenable. He’s been at the corporation for 47 years. He’s paid £330,000 a year. His pension pot is worth more than £6 million. Isn’t there something obscene about private wealth from public money? An honourable man would resign but will Botney? Don’t hold your breath. Mind you, stranger things have happened; like a smash hit musical based on the songs of Frankie Valli.