Downing Street is accused of blocking Nick Hardwick, the ex-parole board chair, from becoming the next Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Hardwick, who resigned over thwarted plans to release jailed rapist John Worboys, was allegedly prevented from securing the position by government insiders. This move by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has led to the temporary appointment of a new ombudsman after board member Sir Alex Allen warned of a potential pause in the body's operations. The situation raises questions about the independence of the ombudsman organization from the government.
No 10 accused of blocking Nick Hardwick to be health ombudsman https://t.co/eUm9ac5R5g
Very interesting story from @LOS_Fisher in the FT tonight- Rishi Sunak's decision to block ex Parole Board Nick Hardwick from becoming the new Parliamentary Ombudsman chosen by the organisation must query whether it is genuinely independent of government.
Very interesting story from @LOS_Fisher - Rishi Sunak's decision to either delay or block a new Parliamentary Ombudsman has forced the body to rush through a temporary appointment after board member Sir Alex Allen warned it would have to pause working. https://t.co/fxTFIBnogM
Downing St accused of blocking ex-parole board chair becoming parliamentary ombudsman https://t.co/f8m8idH0xS
NEW: Downing Street is blocking the ex-parole board chair, who resigned over thwarted plans to release jailed rapist John Worboys, from becoming the next Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, say govt insiders https://t.co/zRrEAaPpZm