Claire Bassett has been appointed to Department for International
Trade (DIT) as the Chief Executive Designate of the future Trade
Remedies Authority (TRA), which will be responsible for providing
a safety net to protect domestic industry from unfair trading
practices after the UK leaves the European Union.
Sir John Holmes, Chair of the Electoral
Commission, said:
“Claire has my warmest congratulations and best wishes for
every success in this important new role. The last three years
have presented an unprecedented range of complex challenges to
the UK’s political finance regulator and to our democratic
processes. During this time, Claire has worked tirelessly to
pursue the interest of voters, to champion transparency and
fairness and to ensure the effective delivery of the
organisation’s remit. Her drive to make the Commission a dynamic
and effective regulator has been clear throughout and will be her
legacy. The Board and I thank her warmly for her work and
commitment and wish her all the best for the future.”
Claire Bassett said:
“I am extremely proud of the work the Electoral Commission
has done over the last three years. We have made important steps
towards being a modern regulator and this has only been possible
because of the skills and hard work of the team I have been
privileged to lead. I will miss the Commission and all who work
here but am confident I leave it in strong hands and ready to
step into the next phase of its life. I am looking forward to
taking the valuable lessons I have learnt to the Trade Remedies
Authority.”
Claire will leave the Commission at the end of the year.
Bob Posner, currently Director of Political Finance and
Regulation and Legal Counsel, will serve as interim chief
executive until a permanent appointment is made.
Bob joined the Electoral Commission in 2007 and has
extensive experience over many years in regulatory compliance and
advising on public law. He was returning officer at a number of
elections whilst working as a Director and Deputy Chief Executive
in local government, is a Barrister, has a Master's degree in
business management and is joint editor of Schofield's Election
Law.
Sir John added:
“I look forward to working with Bob. He will bring to this
new role deep knowledge of the work of the Commission and strong
commitment to serving the interests of voters. He will also
provide important continuity while an appointment process is
underway to find a permanent chief executive, to ensure that the
delivery of the Commission’s key plans and priorities can
continue at pace.”
