BBFC president steps down
Andreas Whittam Smith is standing down as president of the British Board of Film Classification on July 31 after four years in charge.
Mr Whittam Smith was appointed ninth president of the BBFC in 1997, succeeding Lord Harewood. He decided to step down after being made first church estates commissioner.
Mr Whittam Smith said, "I will be very sorry to leave the BBFC as I have enjoyed my time as its president very much." He also expressed his hope that classification in Britain would in time be advisory, as it is in most of Europe.
His presidency has been marked on the positive side by a marked drive to consult real public opinion on film classification, resulting generally in more relaxed censorship, especially of sex scenes.
The BBFC says his successor will be chosen by open competition, although it is likely that the government will exercise some influence over the decision.