Ministry accused of purdah breach as Cornwall deal announced amid PM’s election visit
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been accused of breaching the spirit of purdah rules after announcing towns deal money to Cornwall during local government’s politically restricted period as Boris Johnson made a pre-election visit to the county.
MHCLG yesterday trumpeted a £23.6m package for Truro to “boost the local economy, create jobs and improve local skills, helping the county build back better from the pandemic” - just one month before Cornwall has all-out elections.
Although local government’s purdah period of pre-election restrictions began on 29 March at the latest, civil service guidelines are different. While the “period of sensitivity” is “not fixed to any particular date”, the guidelines state “general convention is that special care should be taken in the three weeks preceding the elections – in this case from 15 April 2021”.
Kath Jones will be relocating to the island in March. Credit: ITV Channel TV
The States of Alderney has appointed a new Chief Executive.
Kath Jones has previously worked as the Senior Administrator of Sark, as well as holding senior positions with the Local Government Association and the London Borough of Redbridge.
Politicians will be asked to confirm the appointment at the States of Alderney s next sitting.
The chairman of the island s Policy and Finance Committee says he hopes the appointment will help safeguard the cultural and legislative independence of the island while strengthening its links with Guernsey.
Kath brings with her a wealth of experience in the operation and management of an island government combined with a thorough understanding of the Bailiwick. I am confident that with her record in relevant public sector roles Kath can support this government’s ambition to maintain and grow the Alderney economy and to ensure public services are delivered as required.
The five-person panel was formed by the island s Policy & Finance Committee. Credit: ITV Channel TV
An appointment board has been formed to recruit a new Chief Executive for the States of Alderney.
The five-person panel, created by the island s Policy & Finance Committee, is tasked with appointing a permanent replacement for Andrew Muter, who resigned from the role in February 2020.
The board includes the States President William Tate, Bill Abel, Alex Snowdon, Annie Burgess and Ian Carter who will act as its Chairman.
We are interviewing a number of candidates in the week commencing 8th February and in the meantime we are remaining in contact with Guernsey Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield over the alternative of a secondment. We are optimistic we will be able to find the right person for this critical role of leading the civil service and supporting the Committees.