LETTER: Magazine's future

From Ms Vicky Hutchings

Sir: May I correct a few errors in your article "Board sacked as 'Statesman' chief steps into the fray" (30 September).

Philip Jeffrey did not take his decision to appoint himself chairman of the board, and ask the board to resign, because the staff were "on the point of passing a vote of no confidence in the board". After the staff and board had been informed of Mr Jeffrey's decision, it was suggested to the staff that they might like to pass a vote of no confidence in the board. This the staff refused to do. Journalists then went on to pass a vote of confidence in their NUJ representative on the board and her continuing board membership.

While Mr Jeffrey is not a director, he and his wife were on the board until late last year. As owners of 49 per cent of the shares and as loan stock holders Mr and Mrs Jeffrey have always had power over the board, which has never acted without consulting them.

As a 20 per cent shareholder and a director, I have not resigned and have no intention of doing so. Incidentally, there is no connection between this and our relationship with the leadership of the Labour Party, with which we shall retain a sceptical friendship under any possible owner or editor. It is simply about finding the best future for the main left of centre publication in the English-speaking world.

Yours sincerely,

Vicky Hutchings

Director and Assistant Editor

New Statesman and Society

London, E2