DCMS at loggerheads with Mayor

Disagreement between the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the DCMS has disrupted the appointment of the new Chair of Arts Council England (ACE), London. The power to make the appointment, which includes a seat on ACE’s National Council, was passed to the Mayor following the Government’s review of powers of the Greater London Authority in 2005/06. However, it is subject to approval of the Culture Secretary, Ben Bradshaw, who directly appoints the chairs of other ACE regions. The new appointment was due to start on 1 September. However, Bradshaw has blocked the candidature of Veronica Wadley, the former Evening Standard Editor, who headed the paper while Johnson was running for Mayor and strongly supported his candidacy. A spokesman from the DCMS said that “the Secretary of State has been advised the appointment process was in clear contravention of the Nolan principles and that panel members were deeply unhappy that due process had not been followed. On that basis [he] could not accept the Mayor’s recommendation.” However, Johnson, who recommended Ms Wadley for the £7,000-a year post, called the move “an outrageous politically motivated attempt to prevent [her] being considered for an important post for which she’s highly qualified”, and asserted that “senior civil servants agreed during the final selection that she was the strongest candidate”. Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life (which can be found on the website of the Public Appointments Commissioner) include “Objectivity – In… making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.” Dame Liz Forgan, Chair of ACE, is reportedly “dismayed” that the row has been leaked. ACE told AP that it would be improper for Dame Liz, who was a member of the assessment panel, to comment, but reported that she considers the leak “is not proper procedure and is grossly unfair on all those involved”. The Mayor is able to consider the other candidates for the post or may, “under extreme circumstances, ask officers to readvertise the vacancy”. ACE was unable to say when it would be able to announce a new appointee.