Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 11:52 am on 18 November 2010.

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Photo of Kevin Brennan Kevin Brennan Shadow Minister (Education) 11:52, 18 November 2010

Under pressure, the Prime Minister has got rid of his vanity snapper, but we still need that debate on cronyism and appointments to the civil service. Did the Leader of the House see the letter to The Times on Monday from Sir Robin Mountfield, the former permanent secrecy to the Cabinet Office, in which he said:

"These provisions were intended to meet genuine and exceptional management needs, not to accommodate political and personal friends or associates"?

Finally, he said that

"the...principle of appointment on merit by fair and open competition...should not be allowed to be eroded, whether at these or...senior levels."

Does the Leader of the House agree with Sir Robin?