BBC chiefs escape axe

Senior BBC executives have been cleared by their own disciplinary inquiry set up in the wake of the Hutton report.

Acting BBC director-general Mark Byford has now closed the inquiry ahead of Michael Grade taking up the post of chairman.

But despite being cleared, some senior figures have privately complained of being "shell-shocked", angry and distracted by the way it was conducted.

Among those questioned during the three-month hearings were BBC director of news Richard Sambrook, his deputy Mark Damazer, Today editor Kevin Marsh, former Newsnight editor George Entwhistle and head of radio Stephen Mitchell.

Director of policy Caroline Thomson and head of personnel Stephen Dando, who led the panel, ruled no disciplinary action against the executives was necessary after they defended Andrew Gilligan's Today programme report which accused the Government of "sexing up" its Iraq dossier.

But BBC insiders say that although they will not be axed or even moved to other posts, those involved fear it could still affect their future within the corporation.

Those involved - who want to ensure that the BBC statement "unequivocally exonerates" them - consulted lawyers during the inquiry.

While there is not thought to be sufficient ground for legal action at present, if one of those involved is passed over for promotion in the future, they could choose to resign and sue the BBC.