Press release

Peter Riddell recommended for key appointments role

Matt Hancock has announced Peter Riddell as the government’s preferred candidate for Commissioner for Public Appointments.

• From: Cabinet Office, Commissioner for Public Appointments and The Rt Hon Matt Hancock
• Published: 17 March 2016
• Last updated: 14 April 2016 — See all updates

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Update: Peter Riddell to be appointed as Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Minister for the Cabinet Office has today announced Peter Riddell is the government’s preferred candidate for the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments. Peter is currently the Director of the Institute for Government (IFG) and was previously a journalist and political commentator for 40 years. The next step is for Peter to attend a pre-appointment hearing with the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) on Monday 21 March.

The recommendation follows a fair and open recruitment exercise carried out in line with the principles of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies, published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The current Commissioner, Sir David Normington, has held the post since 2011 and will step down at the end of March. The new Commissioner will have an important role in helping to implement Sir Gerry Grimstone’s review of public appointments.

Matt Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office said:

I am delighted to announce Peter Riddell as the preferred candidate for Public Appointments Commissioner. Over many years, first as a journalist, then at the IFG, Peter has demonstrated insight, judgement and integrity. He has the expertise and character to make an excellent Public Appointments Commissioner and I am very pleased to recommend his appointment.

Notes to editor

Peter is currently Director of the Institute for Government. Previously, he was a journalist for nearly 40 years, split between the Financial Times and The Times, where he had been their domestic political analyst and commentator. He has been a regular broadcaster, has written 7 books and delivered frequent lectures.

Peter also chaired the Hansard Society, a non-partisan charity which promotes understanding of Parliament and representative democracy, for 5 years until mid-2012.

Peter’s appointment will be considered by PACAC on 21 March.

Published 17 March 2016
Last updated 14 April 2016 + show all updates

1. 14 April 2016

   Updated with latest information.

2. 17 March 2016

   First published.