Labour calls for investigation following appointment of Prime Minister’s campaign manager to key government role

In the letter, Green writes: “It seems to me that Baron Wharton has none of the statutory qualifications for this post, and both the higher education sector and the wider public will be deeply concerned that this is simply another example of cronyism ... This will only be made worse by Baron Wharton’s decision to keep the Conservative whip, bringing into question his ability to make independent decisions.”

The Shadow Education Secretary adds: “At a time when it is vitally important for the public to have confidence in government appointments, it is extremely disappointing that they continue to appoint those with close ties to the Conservative Party to public jobs without the necessary experience or credentials.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Full text of the letter:

Dear Simon,

I am writing to you following the appointment of the Prime Minister’s former campaign manager, the Conservative Peer James Wharton, Baron Warton of Yarn, as Chair of the Office for Students (“OfS”), the independent regulator for the higher education sector.

It seems to me that Baron Wharton has none of the statutory qualifications for this post, and both the higher education sector and the wider public will be deeply concerned that this is simply another example of cronyism, which undermines trust in public life at a time when it is needed most. This will only be made worse by Baron Wharton’s decision to keep the Conservative whip, bringing into question his ability to make independent decisions.

At a time when it is vitally important for the public to have confidence in government appointments, it is extremely disappointing that they continue to appoint those with close ties to the Conservative party to public jobs without the necessary experience or credentials.

In this case, it is particularly alarming that this appointment is being made during a pandemic in which students have been forgotten by this Government and are being denied a full university experience, yet Baron Wharton admits he has no direct experience in higher education.

Gavin Williamson and Boris Johnson must be up front about how this role was appointed and what measures have been put in place to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest.

I have a number of questions therefore that I hope you will be able to investigate.

In particular, you will be aware that the Higher Education and Research Act sets out clear criteria that should be considered when appointing members of the OfS, including the chair. In what ways does Baron Wharton meet these criteria?

What experience does he have of either promoting the interests of students, providing higher education, or employing the graduates of higher education courses in a range of disciplines? More generally, what experience does he have of a broad range of higher education?

What experience does he have of promoting choices for consumers and service users in other sectors, other than encouraging a choice of candidates for the position of Leader of the Conservative Party?

What experience does he have of creating, implementing, or managing a regulatory system in any sector or industry?

What experience does he have of managing the financial affairs of an organisation?

Is continuing to take the Conservative whip while in post consistent with the seven principles of public life, particularly his ability to make objective decisions?

Would it not be appropriate for Mr Wharton to resign the whip with immediate effect upon starting the post?

I look forward to your urgent response

Yours sincerely,

Kate Green
Shadow Education Secretary

The commissioner for public appointments Peter Riddell has criticised the government for “packing” the panel to oversee the appointment of the next chair of the Office for Students (OfS) with political allies of the Conservative Party: https://universitybusiness.co.uk/people-policy-politics/new-ofs-chair-commissioner-for-public-appointments-warns-of-political-bias-in-appointment-panel/