Latest civil service & public affairs moves – December 20
New appointments in the civil service, UK politics, and public affairs, via our colleagues at Dods People
Government departments
- Prime Minister's Office – Baroness Hallett appointed as chair of the public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic, set to begin its work in spring 2022. Baroness Hallett is currently acting as coroner in the inquest into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 following exposure to the nerve agent Novichok. A new chair for that inquiry will be appointed early in the new year.
- Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Caleb Deeks and Gavin Lambert appointed as interim directors general, market frameworks (job share). Nuclear Decommissioning Authority – Chris Train appointed as non-executive board ember from 10 January 2022 to 31 January 2025. Radioactive Waste Management – Professor Neil Hyatt appointed as chief scientist from February 2022, leading the programme to develop a geological disposal facility for UK higher-activity radioactive waste.
- Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: Charity Commission – Martin Thomas confirmed as Chair from 27 December to 26 December 2024.
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – Dr David Ellis OBE appointed as Her Majesty's ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), succeeding Colin Crooks LVO who will be transferring to Her Majesty's ambassador to the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
- Department for Transport – Gareth Davies appointed as second permanent secretary. Mark Worthington re-appointed as independent HS2 construction commissioner for three years.
- HM Treasury: Financial Policy Committee – Dame Colette Bowe re-appointed as an External Member until 31 August 2025. Office for Budget Responsibility – Treasury Committee agrees to the appointment of Professor David Miles to the Budget Responsibility Committee.
Houses of Parliament
House of Commons
- North Shropshire by-election – Helen Morgan won the seat for the Liberal Democrats with a majority of 5,925.
Select committees:
- Home Affairs – Dame Diana Johnson elected as chair.
- International Development – Nigel Mills added; Brendan Clarke-Smith discharged.
- International Trade – and Mike Wood added; Craig Williams discharged.
- Treasury – Kevin Hollinrake added; Felicity Buchan discharged.
- Women and Equalities – Caroline Dinenage added; Lee Anderson discharged.
House of Lords
- Lord Broers (crossbench) and Viscount Ridley (Conservative) retired from House of Lords on 17 December. A by-election will be held in due course to replace Viscount Ridley as a hereditary peer.
Political parties
Conservatives
- Anna Firth selected as Conservative candidate for the forthcoming Southend West by-election.
Labour
- Rachael Maskell resigned as shadow minister for arts, civil society and youth.
- Mick Whitley resigned as PPS to Ed Miliband as shadow minister of state for climate change and net zero.
Welsh Labour
- Jo McIntyre appointed general secretary from January 2022, succeeding Louise Maggee.
Devolved administrations
Welsh Government
- Welsh Revenue Authority – Rheon Tomos, Mary Champion and Jim Scopes appointed as non-executive directors to the board for three years.
Local authorities
- Stockport Council – Caroline Simpson announced as preferred candidate for chief executive.
Industry
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Interest groups
- London Sport – Emily Robinson appointed as chief executive from February 2022.
- National Trust – René Olivieri appointed as chair from February 2022.