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Diane Coyle appointed vice chairman of the BBC Trust

By Press Gazette

Journalist and economist Diane Coyle has been appointed as the new vice chairman of the BBC Trust.

She will work alongside former Hong Kong governor and Cabinet minister Lord Patten, who will replace Sir Michael Lyons as chairman when his term ends on April 30.

The trust operates as the voice of the licence fee-payer, setting BBC strategy and top-level budgets and appointing the director-general.

It plays no part in the day-to-day production of programmes, but oversees standards and hears appeals over complaints to the broadcaster.

Coyle, who is a serving member of the trust, was economics editor at the Independent newspaper and is married to BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones.

Sir Michael welcomed the announcement, saying: “Diane has made an important contribution to the work of the trust in its first four years, particularly in leading the trust’s work on public value.

“I’m sure that in this expanded role Diane will be looking forward to the opportunity to bring her wisdom, insight and consistent good humour to even more of the trust’s work.”

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Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has asked the Privy Council to seek the Queen’s formal approval of the appointment, which must take place before Coyle takes up the role.

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