Ed Miliband has ignited controversy by appointing his former political adviser Bob Roberts as the new director of communications for the Energy Department. This move, seen as an act of cronyism, has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Whitehall insiders who deem it “outrageous” to place a former party official in a taxpayer-funded role, reports BritPanorama.
The appointment marks another chapter in the debate over impartiality within the Civil Service following a recent wave of similar controversies involving other Labour appointments. Critics argue that Mr. Roberts’ previous role as Miliband’s communications director during his leadership from 2010 to 2015 raises serious questions about the integrity of the appointment process.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party expressed outrage over the decision, stating, “Another day, another Labour insider handed a taxpayer-funded job. Ed Miliband’s old spin doctor now running comms for his department tells you everything about this Government.” The spokesperson further condemned the appointment as a mockery of Civil Service impartiality, attributing it to a desire to exert control over governmental operations.
In response to the criticism, a government representative defended the decision, asserting that Mr. Roberts’ appointment adhered to the necessary protocols established by the government’s recruitment principles. Sources confirmed that the process was both open and fair, aligning with Civil Service Commission standards. However, this latest move highlights ongoing concerns regarding cronyism within Labour’s government, which has been plagued by parallels drawn to past practices of political patronage.
