05/08/2003
Blair accused of 'cronyism' over CPS appointment
The Tories have today slammed the appointment of new Crown Prosecution Service as further evidence of "cronyism" within the government.
Shadow Deputy Prime Minister David Davis said that he was "astonished" that Ken Macdonald QC had been elevated to the post as he is – along with the Prime Minister’s wife – a founder member of Matrix Legal Chambers.
Mr Davis added: "Many people will find this appointment astonishing. We have already had one Lord Chancellor who was the Prime Minister’s boss and the current one who is his former flatmate. Now we learn that the new Director of Public Prosecutions is a founder member of the same legal chambers as the Prime Minister’s wife.
“Under this government there appears to be no institution which is safe from the Prime Minister’s rampant cronyism.
“There are certain parts of the British constitution that should be totally protected from this kind of behaviour and paramount among these should be the judicial system that only two months ago the Prime Minister claimed he wanted to free from all forms of political interference.”
(GMcG)
Shadow Deputy Prime Minister David Davis said that he was "astonished" that Ken Macdonald QC had been elevated to the post as he is – along with the Prime Minister’s wife – a founder member of Matrix Legal Chambers.
Mr Davis added: "Many people will find this appointment astonishing. We have already had one Lord Chancellor who was the Prime Minister’s boss and the current one who is his former flatmate. Now we learn that the new Director of Public Prosecutions is a founder member of the same legal chambers as the Prime Minister’s wife.
“Under this government there appears to be no institution which is safe from the Prime Minister’s rampant cronyism.
“There are certain parts of the British constitution that should be totally protected from this kind of behaviour and paramount among these should be the judicial system that only two months ago the Prime Minister claimed he wanted to free from all forms of political interference.”
(GMcG)
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11 October 2011
UK's Top Civil Servant Retires
The head of the civil service, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, has announced he will leave his post at the end of the year. Mr O'Donnell was expected to step down before the next general election, but Tuesday's announcement means a number of changes that were to follow his vacation of the role will have to be brought forward.
UK's Top Civil Servant Retires
The head of the civil service, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, has announced he will leave his post at the end of the year. Mr O'Donnell was expected to step down before the next general election, but Tuesday's announcement means a number of changes that were to follow his vacation of the role will have to be brought forward.
23 July 2007
Envoy Blair begins first Middle East visit
Tony Blair is beginning a two-day visit to Israel as part of his first visit to the region in his new post as special envoy to the Middle East. Earlier on Monday, the former British Prime Minister met with Jordan's foreign minister in Amman.
Envoy Blair begins first Middle East visit
Tony Blair is beginning a two-day visit to Israel as part of his first visit to the region in his new post as special envoy to the Middle East. Earlier on Monday, the former British Prime Minister met with Jordan's foreign minister in Amman.
29 April 2005
Labour attacked over GP targets
Prime Minister Tony Blair faced tough questioning over GP appointments on BBC’s Question Time show last night. Audience member Diana Church told Mr Blair that her GP would not grant appointments unless they were made within 48 hours beforehand in order to meet targets.
Labour attacked over GP targets
Prime Minister Tony Blair faced tough questioning over GP appointments on BBC’s Question Time show last night. Audience member Diana Church told Mr Blair that her GP would not grant appointments unless they were made within 48 hours beforehand in order to meet targets.
30 May 2006
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
04 May 2011
PM Takes The Hot Seat For Questions
Ahead of the elections tomorrow, the Prime Minister’s Questions got underway today. The session is an opportunity for MPs from all parties to question the Prime Minister on any subject, although they usually focus on the key issues of the day.
PM Takes The Hot Seat For Questions
Ahead of the elections tomorrow, the Prime Minister’s Questions got underway today. The session is an opportunity for MPs from all parties to question the Prime Minister on any subject, although they usually focus on the key issues of the day.
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