United Kingdom Home Secretary, Priti Patel has appointed the former head of a far-right anti-tax pressure group to a Government post in her Department, raising questions over Public Service neutrality.
Jonathan Isaby (pictured), former Chief Executive of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, which campaigns for less Government spending and lower taxes, is to take on the role of Private Secretary of Communications.
Mr Isaby, who is also the former editor of the blogs, Conservative Home and the anti-European Union Brexit Central, said on Twitter that he was excited to get started in the new role.
However, the appointment was met with immediate criticism from the Opposition Labour Party.
Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds said Ms Patel was under fire from within her own party for failing to get a grip of crime.
“Only last month the Police Federation declared no confidence in her, so it’s no wonder she is desperate to bring in an extra spin doctor,” Mr Thomas-Symonds said.
“However, there must be serious questions about how someone with such close personal political ties to the Home Secretary could be appointed,” he said.
“Yet again it’s one rule for the Tories and their mates, and another for everyone else,” the Shadow Home Secretary said.
Liberal Democrat MP, Christine Jardine said it was just another example of tired, out-of-touch Conservative Ministers handing out Government jobs to their chums.
“This appointment raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to Civil Service neutrality,” Ms Jardine said.
“The public expect taxpayers’ money to be used to recruit politically neutral Civil Servants, not just fill the pockets of Tory supporters,” she said.
The reference to ‘Tory chums’ alludes to continuing criticism faced by the Government over how it awarded contracts for COVID-19-related goods and services during the pandemic, with allegations that politically-connected companies and individuals were given priority.
A Home Office spokesperson said the appointment was compliant with the criteria set out within the Civil Services Commission Recruitment Principles.
London, 14 August 2021
