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BBC Deputy Head of News is 'retiring not resigning'

Following the publication of the Pollard Report, Stephen Mitchell, Deputy Head of News at the BBC, has released the following statement announcing that he retiring, despite earlier reports from the BBC that he was resigning:

It is with great sadness that I have decided to retire from the BBC after more than 38 years’ service of which I am very proud and which I have found greatly enjoyable.

Given the strain over the past month since being told to stand aside from the job I loved, having endured the Pollard review process and now having read its criticisms, I have decided that it is in my interests and those of the BBC that I bring my career to a dignified end.

Whilst I feel vindicated that the review has found that I put no undue pressure on Peter Rippon, I disagree with the remainder of Mr Pollard's criticisms in relation to me.

I am grateful for all the support I have received from friends and colleagues around the BBC.