Fresh Turbulence for UK Competition Regulator
The UK's competition watchdog is facing renewed instability with the departure of two more board members, Sky News can reveal. This development comes less than a year after ministers forced out the regulator's chairman as part of their economic growth strategy.
Key Board Members Depart
Dharmash Mistry, a respected technology industry veteran, and Cynthia Dubin, who brought decades of experience in energy and industrials sectors, have both resigned from the Competition and Markets Authority board in recent months. Neither departure was formally announced by the watchdog, with their exits only becoming apparent through their omission from the current list of CMA directors.
Mr Mistry's departure is particularly notable as he had joined the board just 18 months earlier, while Ms Dubin had served for approximately six years, providing valuable continuity and expertise to the regulator's work.
Political Pressure and Denials
These resignations follow the ousting of Marcus Bokkerink as the CMA's chairman earlier this year. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and then business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, orchestrated his removal as part of government efforts to spur economic growth.
One source suggested that concerns about government interference in the CMA's independent work may have influenced at least one of the resignations. However, both the CMA and the Department for Business and Trade strongly denied this suggestion when approached on Tuesday.
A DBT spokesperson stated: "We thank Dharmash and Cynthia for their work with the CMA. We do not recognise the suggestion that either had been concerned about political interference. We remain committed to the CMA's independence."
The CMA echoed this position, with a spokesperson clarifying: "Both former board members left due to other commitments and it is inaccurate to suggest otherwise. The CMA continues to take its decisions independently of government."
Leadership Changes and Future Direction
Following Mr Bokkerink's departure, Doug Gurr, the former Amazon UK boss, has taken over as interim chairman and is now expected to secure the position on a longer-term basis. This leadership transition occurs against the backdrop of government pressure for regulators to make what it describes as "pro-business decisions" to drive prosperity and growth.
The repeated board-level changes at one of Britain's most important regulatory bodies raise questions about stability and independence during a period when the government is actively seeking to kickstart economic activity across the country.
