Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:30 pm on 20 March 2013.
My Lords, there is no link between the Prime Minister's decision not to reappoint Professor Smith and the increase to X-factor. The Prime Minister's decision not to extend Professor Smith's appointment represents broader government policy regarding no automatic right to reappointment to non-departmental public bodies such as the pay review body. The decision is in line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies. An interim chair, John Steele, has been drawn from the remaining members of the AFPRB until a formal replacement can be appointed.