Sell-By Dates
Politics Home reports that Westminster MPS have blocked Sir Ian Kennedy from being appointed to another parliamentary watchdog role at the Electoral Commission.
Now some honourable members suggest this was out of spite because of Kennedy's former role as head of the IPSA, the MPs' expenses watchdog, where he introduced some unpopular reforms.
But others say that Sir Ian is past his 'sell-by' date and that at 76-years-old he ought to be shown the door.
If you ask me, this is importance business which should not come down to a popular vote amongst MPs. but if the comment about Sir Ian being too long in the tooth is correct what does it say about Jeremy Corbyn?
Because Jezza will be 69-years-old in May 2018 and by the time the next general election comes around the Labour leader may well be into his seventies, having been a member of the House of Commons since 1983 - a career politician by any definition.
https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/politics/news/92297/mps-block-former-head-expenses-watchdog-new-role?
MPs block former head of expenses watchdog from new role
By Liz Bates - Politics Home
MPs have blocked the former boss of Parliament's expenses watchdog Sir Ian Kennedy from taking on a new role.
Sir Ian Kennedy is the former head of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority - Credit: PA
The ex-head of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority was lined up for an appointment at the Electoral Commission.
But despite no objections being raised by the leaders of Westminster parties, MPs voted against the decision by 77 to 46.
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Former James Duddridge said Sir Ian was too old for the job at 76-years-old and criticised his performance in his previous role.
"Whilst our expenses system desperately needed to be reformed, I don't think there's a single member of the House that thinks Ipsa is a system that is a system lacking in bureaucracy that couldn't be well reformed...” he said.
"I don't think he did a good job."
Labour MP John Spellar branded Sir Ian an "arch quangocrat" and said he had "largely created the dreadful, anti-elected member, vindictive attitude that has permeated so much of Ipsa".
He added that the organisation has "taken as its premise that they are there to make life difficult for members of Parliament”.
But others rallied around the ex-expenses chief, with Labour’s Ben Bradshaw hailing Sir Ian as “one of the UK's most experienced regulators,” and describing the conduct of the MPs as “petty behaviour”.
While the SNP’s Kirsty Blackman said: "It's pretty clear that there's a significant personal element to how some members feel about this.”
The ex-head of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority was lined up for an appointment at the Electoral Commission.
But despite no objections being raised by the leaders of Westminster parties, MPs voted against the decision by 77 to 46.
Steve Bassam quits as Labour Lords chief whip over expenses row
Labour peer Lord Bassam agrees to repay travel expenses
Christine Jardine latest Lib Dem MP to face questions over election expenses
Former James Duddridge said Sir Ian was too old for the job at 76-years-old and criticised his performance in his previous role.
"Whilst our expenses system desperately needed to be reformed, I don't think there's a single member of the House that thinks Ipsa is a system that is a system lacking in bureaucracy that couldn't be well reformed...” he said.
"I don't think he did a good job."
Labour MP John Spellar branded Sir Ian an "arch quangocrat" and said he had "largely created the dreadful, anti-elected member, vindictive attitude that has permeated so much of Ipsa".
He added that the organisation has "taken as its premise that they are there to make life difficult for members of Parliament”.
But others rallied around the ex-expenses chief, with Labour’s Ben Bradshaw hailing Sir Ian as “one of the UK's most experienced regulators,” and describing the conduct of the MPs as “petty behaviour”.
While the SNP’s Kirsty Blackman said: "It's pretty clear that there's a significant personal element to how some members feel about this.”
