The Labour government is on the brink of a fresh cronyism controversy over its public appointments, with Sky News learning that the outgoing head of a major trade union backer is set for a prestigious role at the National Portrait Gallery.
Key Appointment Sparks Controversy
Christina McAnea, who was ousted as general secretary of Unison last month, is among five new trustees for the London gallery whose appointments are understood to have been approved by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The process began last summer, with an official announcement expected imminently.
This development follows closely on the heels of another contentious appointment that embroiled Labour in a public appointments row. The recruitment of former Labour donor David Kogan as the inaugural chair of the Independent Football Regulator prompted an inquiry by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Details of the New Trustees
According to a Whitehall source, the other new trustees include Ina Sarikhani, whose husband is Sir Guy Weston of the family behind Primark-owner Associated British Foods, and Mazdak Sanii, chief executive of the art marketplace Avant Arte. The identities of the remaining two appointees are not fully clear, though one is believed to be an academic.
It remains uncertain which of the five will be appointed as the NPG's next chair, a position currently held on an interim basis by Professor Shearer West. Professor West took over from Carphone Warehouse billionaire David Ross, who stepped down in October after completing a second four-year term.
Political Backlash and Hypocrisy Claims
The impending appointment of Ms McAnea has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Nigel Huddleston, the shadow culture secretary, condemned the move as "bare-faced hypocrisy."
"Labour were quick to criticise the appointment of perceived right-leaning individuals when we were in power, and yet are enthusiastically appointing swathes of left-wing cronies without a hint of shame," Mr Huddleston stated.
Ms McAnea served as Unison's general secretary from 2021, maintaining the union's close ties with Labour throughout Sir Keir Starmer's premiership. Her successor, Andrea Egan, who won the union's leadership election last month, is a leftwinger expelled from Labour in 2022. Ms Egan has been openly critical of the government and is reportedly considering formal disaffiliation from the party.
A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment on the speculation, stating: "We do not comment on speculation. We will make announcements in due course."
