BT boss and former ITV boss are in the running to become BBC chairman

Headhunters have contacted Philip Jansen, who is due to leave BT in the coming months. Photo: Holly Adams/Bloomberg

The outgoing BT chief executive and former ITV boss has been offered the role of BBC chairman as the government tries to fill a leadership gap at the public broadcaster.

Philip Jansen, who is due to step down from telecommunications giant in the coming months, he was approached by recruiters for the best vacancy.

The Telegraph has learned that Sir Peter Bazalgette, a veteran media executive who was ITV chairman until last year, has also been contacted about the role, as has Mr Jansen's predecessor at BT, Gavin Patterson.

Mr Jansen, whose involvement was first reported by The Times, announced in July that he would leave BT at the “right time” within the next 12 months.

But sources close to the telecoms executive , suggested that he is unlikely to take the job and plans to take a break after leaving BT.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, who served as ITV chairman until last year, was also contacted about the role. Photo: Paul Grover

Headhunters at executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde are leading the search for a new BBC chairman to replace Richard Sharpe.

Mr Sharp resigned in April after a report found he broke Whitehall rules by failing to disclose his role in securing an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson.

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The four-year term will cover a crucial period for the public broadcaster. The successful candidate will be tasked with overseeing the Charter renewal process, as well as discussing with the government the future of the license fee funding model.

Other names associated with the £160,000-a-year position include: Dawn Airey, former head of Channel 5, and Sir Jeremy Darroch, former Sky chief.

However, the political controversy surrounding Sharp's departure and public scrutiny of the BBC have already cost some potential candidates for the position.

Political controversy surrounding Richard's departure The BBC's Sharpe has already shelved some potential replacements. Photo: Jeff Pugh

“I just think the public scrutiny and interference that comes with these positions makes people cautious,” said one executive approached by the headhunters.

“People saw it happen with Richard Sharp, and also with Bernard [Looney], Alison [Rose] and, to some extent, Philip [Jansen]. I'm not ready for that.”

Analysts believe the BBC may instead turn to its deputy chairman, Sir Damon Buffini, to take charge given his commercial knowledge and experience of working with the Treasury.

Claire Enders of Enders Analysis said Mr Buffini, a founding partner of private equity firm Permira, was “the man to beat”.

“He always seemed like the obvious replacement to me and, perhaps the one whose experience with the BBC is most valuable for the future as the company increasingly relies on commercial revenue to keep the show going,” she said.

Applications for the role closed on Monday. The government will begin screening potential candidates on October 5, with interviews expected to take place by mid-November.

Dame Elan Closs Stevens, a BBC board member, is acting chair until she is replaced. found.