Presenter Tony Livesey leaves BBC Radio 5 Live after 16 years

BBC Radio 5 Live announced that presenter Tony Livesey is leaving the station after 16 years of employment. Livesey took a break from his weekday late-night talk show in June, following allegations made against his former newspaper boss, David Sullivan. Sullivan, a billionaire businessman and West Ham co-owner, faced accusations of sexual misconduct from several women, including claims of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, some while they were teenagers.

The allegations were investigated by the Times and BBC Panorama, with Sullivan strongly denying the claims.

Livesey stepped back from presenting his programme in June while the investigation was ongoing. One alleged victim claimed that Livesey had arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan in 1999, but Livesey stated he had no recollection of introducing the young woman and that it was not part of his job to do so. He expressed sympathy for those who may have become victims and rejected any suggestion that he played a role in the scenario, finding the allegation abhorrent.

In an email to 5 Live staff, controller Heidi Dawson conveyed Livesey's gratitude to his colleagues and wished him well for his future endeavors. Livesey, an award-winning presenter, began his BBC career in 2006, hosting 5 Live from 2010 onwards. He won ARIA and APAs awards for his reporting on childhood trauma and conducted the final interview with Dame Deborah James. His three-hour topical programme aired on 5 Live from Monday to Thursday, featuring interviews and listener calls.