Presenter Tony Livesey leaves BBC Radio 5 Live after 16 years

Tony Livesey has left BBC Radio 5 Live after a 16-year tenure, the broadcaster confirmed. Livesey had stepped back from his weekday late-night talk show last month amid allegations surrounding his former newspaper editor, David Sullivan.

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Tony has asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to the brilliant colleagues at 5 Live who he has had the pleasure of working with over the years.

Livesey previously served as editor-in-chief for Sullivan's Daily and Sunday Sport publications. Numerous women have accused the businessman and West Ham co-owner of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, sometimes when they were teenagers. Sullivan has vehemently denied these claims, which were detailed in a joint investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama.

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I know many of you have also really enjoyed working with Tony, and we wish him well for all his future endeavours.

The BBC had stated that Livesey requested a break from his program while the investigation's findings were examined. One accuser alleged that Livesey arranged a 1999 meeting between her and Sullivan. Livesey has stated he has "no recollection" of this introduction, asserting it was "not part" of his job. He expressed "great sympathy" for potential victims but rejected any implication of his involvement, calling the allegation "abhorrent."

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no recollection

In a message to 5 Live staff, station controller Heidi Dawson announced Livesey's decision to leave, conveying his thanks to his colleagues. Livesey, who joined the BBC in 2006 and began presenting on 5 Live in 2010, is known for his drivetime show and award-winning reporting, including an interview with the late Dame Deborah James.

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not part