The chief inspector of probation Paul McDowell has resigned over criticism of his personal relationship with Ministry of Justice outsourcing bidder Sodexo-Nacro.
His resignation comes after questions were raised regarding a conflict of interest with the announcement of a Sodexo-Nacro partnership as the preferred bidder for a majority of contracts in a £450 million a year contract for outsourcing of the probation service.
Previously, Mr McDowell worked as chief executive for Nacro, the crime reduction charity. His wife, Janine McDowell, is Sodexo Justice Services' deputy managing director.
Today his resignation was confirmed by justice secretary Chris Grayling in a written statement to the House of Commons.
Grayling said: "I wish to inform the House that Mr Paul McDowell has tendered his resignation from his post as chief inspector of probation.
"As I discussed with the Justice Select Committee on 2 December and covered in subsequent correspondence with the committee chair, an issue arose about a potential perceived conflict of interest for Mr McDowell given his wife's employment with Sodexo, and their role as a provider of probation services. I have considered carefully all of the potential mechanisms and systems that could be introduced and used to manage any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
“However, Mr McDowell has decided that, in the circumstances, he will resign.”
He added: "Throughout this process Mr McDowell has acted with utter transparency and professionalism."
With McDowell's resignation, there are now three criminal justice inspector vacancies, following recent departures in the prisons and immigrations roles.