Radio presenter Tony Livesey leaves BBC after David Sullivan allegations

BBC radio presenter Tony Livesey has departed from his role at 5 Live after allegations emerged concerning his previous career as editor-in-chief of David Sullivan's Sport newspapers. Staff at the station were informed that Livesey would not be returning to his presenting duties.

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I categorically deny all of these complaints.

Livesey's exit follows a BBC Panorama investigation that accused billionaire David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, of decades of sexually exploitative and predatory behavior. Sullivan has categorically denied these allegations through his legal representatives.

The investigation also raised questions for Livesey, 62. One alleged victim claimed he arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan. Livesey has stated he has "no recollection" of this and that it was not part of his job to connect individuals with Sullivan. He also claimed minimal contact with anyone featured in the paper, such as female models.

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I have no recollection of introducing the young woman to Sullivan and that it was not part of his job to do so.

A 1998 book by Livesey mentioned a "countdown to 16" feature, which focused on models' 16th birthdays when they could legally be pictured topless. Livesey has since asserted this feature was not his idea and that significant portions of his book were "fictionalised" to create an impression of his involvement in stories.

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the feature was categorically not his idea and that large parts of his book were fictionalised to make it appear he was at the centre of all stories, even if he had not been.

Heidi Dawson, controller of 5 Live, informed staff that Livesey had chosen to leave, acknowledging his 16-year tenure and his role as the "first voice" when the station launched from Salford. She highlighted his work on the "Drive show" and coverage of major news and sporting events over the past 15 years. Sullivan, 77, resigned as a director and co-chair of West Ham United on June 6, prior to the publication of a joint investigation by the BBC and The Times detailing accusations of sexual misconduct from seven women. The report stated that Sullivan allegedly abused his power at the Sport newspapers to solicit sex from women seeking work, with four accusing him of exploitative behavior and pressuring them into sex during business meetings. Livesey worked at the Sport titles for 18 years, rising from reporter to editor-in-chief.

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Tony has worked at 5 Live for 16 years and was the first voice for us on air as we launched from our new home in Salford.