Gove blocks Greensill ethics supremo Committee appearance
12 July 2021
Sue Gray’s appearance before the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has been blocked by the Cabinet Office.
- Inquiry: Propriety of governance in light of Greensill
- Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
The former Government ethics chief who oversaw Lex Greensill’s hiring as an Government advisor had been due to be questioned tomorrow by MPs on the Committee on the financier’s appointment and on the ‘double-hatting’ of former senior civil servant Bill Crothers. Crothers simultaneously held positions as the Cabinet Office’s Chief Commercial Officer and at Lex Greensill’s firm, Greensill Finance.
Chair's comment
Committee Chair William Wragg said:
“Sue Gray’s office had accepted our approach to have her appear to answer important questions surrounding Lex Greensill’s position at the heart of Government. Regrettably, the rug has been pulled from under us by the Cabinet Office.
Although the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, offered to appear in her place, the Committee summoned Ms Gray precisely because she had first-hand knowledge of Greensill’s appointment and has been name-checked by several witnesses to our inquiry. Sue Gray’s evidence would have made an important contribution to our inquiry in a way that Mr Gove’s clearly would not.”
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