During the last 18 months close allies to the Government have filled seats on boards of public bodies.
Peter Riddell, the commissioner for public appointments commented on this in a speech last week. He emphasised that the “breadth of the campaign and close engagement of 10 Downing Street” makes a difference from earlier such trends. This is described as cultural cleansing by one chair of a big institution.
After reports of right-wing speakers being banned from university campus events the Government wanted to appoint a champion for free speech. The need for this was disputed by students and universities alike. At the same time people who disagree with the Government are being replaced by yes-men. The list is long, below are some recent examples.
Museum
Dr Aminul Hoque, whose academic work encourages decolonising the curriculum, was not reappointed as a trustee of the Royal Museums Greenwich, which also led to the resignation the chairman Sir Charles Dunstone.
Universities
Lord Wharton, who managed the prime minister’s leadership campaign, has been appointed to head the Office for Students.
Channel 4
Contrary to the recommendations of the board of Channel 4 and Ofcom, who traditionally does the vetting, the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden blocked the reappointment of Uzma Hasan and Fru Hazlitt to the board.
Ofcom
Former editor of the Daily Mail, Paul Dacre, who is known for his criticism towards the BBC and used his newspaper to ardently campaign for Brexit, has been suggested to chair the media regulator Ofcom.
Riddell, himself, was recently reappointed for six months only. It will be interesting to see if his replacement in September is yet another cosy chum of No 10.
STANCE NEWS 