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Labour peer rejects cronyism claim after getting top media job

Nigel Morris,Political Correspondent
Friday 26 July 2002 00:00 BST
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A Labour peer dismissed accusations of "cronyism" last night after being chosen by Tony Blair to head the powerful new media watchdog.

Lord Currie of Marylebone resigned as the party whip and as a Labour member upon being made the first chairman of Ofcom. He is a former adviser to Mr Blair and regarded as a key ally of the Chancellor, Gordon Brown. He has also made "small donations" to the party.

The Conservatives complained his appointment – which comes after Labour supporters Greg Dyke and Gavyn Davies filled the top two jobs at the BBC – smacked of political nepotism.

But Lord Currie said he believed he had got the job because of a "rigorous appointment process" rather than his personal politics. He said: "I certainly do not think this represents a politicisation of this role. I intend to do this job and I think the record will show I will do it professionally and wholly independently, and without concern for those political concerns."

Lord Currie told Radio 4's PM programme: "What is crucial is that the best person for the job is appointed and I am flattered that the independent [civil service] panel considered me to be that best person.

"I think the challenge is to do this crucial job, which is so important for the future of the communications sector in this country ... in the most professional, independent way possible and that is what I intend to do."

He pointed out he had advised two Tory chancellors, Norman Lamont and Kenneth Clarke, in his four years on the Treasury's independent panel of forecasters. But he added: "It is absolutely right I should formally divest myself of any political affiliations for an all-party job such as this and that is what I have done."

Lord Currie, an academic economist who is Dean of City University's Business School in London, will earn £133,000 a year for the four-days-a-week post.

The new regulator will replace the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority, the Broadcasting Standards Commission, Oftel and the Radiocommunications Agency. It will also take charge of regulating public service broadcasting obligations of the BBC and ITV, as well as monitoring the performance of communications companies such as BT.

Mr Blair approved the appointment after a joint recommendation by Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

John Whittingdale, the Conservative culture spokesman, said: "It is a very important role and, while there is no doubting Lord Currie's ability, it is a pity his appointment will be seen by some as an example of Labour cronyism." He said the prime qualification for a top media job was "a record of support for the Labour Party".

But Mrs Jowell described Lord Currie as an "outstanding choice" for the job. She added: "I am sure his appointment will be widely welcomed throughout the whole industry."

Ms Hewitt said: "David Currie will bring a wealth of experience and strength of commitment and integrity to the job."

Analysis, page 15; Leading article, page 16

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