Selection on merit
David Cameron’s former Chief of Staff has been appointed as the UK’s ambassador in Paris from November, after being put forward for the job by the former Prime Minister.
Ed Llewellyn held the post of Cameron’s Chief of Staff for eleven years, both in power and Opposition.
The FDA – representing members of the Diplomatic Services Association, a section of the union – warned that the appointment risks undermining the process of filling key ambassadorial posts on merit.
“Ambassadorial posts are key to securing the UK’s interests abroad,” said General Secretary Dave Penman.
“Diplomats undergo years of training and are initially selected through open and fair competition.
“Whatever the individual merits Mr Llewellyn may have, the appointment undermines the principles of selection on merit that underpins the political neutrality of the civil service.
“Perhaps more crucially, if ambassadorial appointments are seen to be in the gift of outgoing Prime Ministers, this undermines both this appointment and the professionalism of the entire service.”
Llewellyn was also appointed a life peer in the former Prime Minister’s resignation honours list.
Related News
-
FDA calls for widespread reform across the civil service in New Year message to government
The FDA has shared its annual New Year message to the government, in which FDA Assistant General Secretary Lauren Crowley outlines the need for significant reform across the civil service.
-
Driving improvement
If the government wants efficiencies, it needs to address the big challenge of civil service pay reform, writes FDA General Secretary Dave Penman.
-
Unlock your leadership and management potential
As part of Young Workers’ Month, the FDA highlights how development schemes like the Fast Stream can set young workers up for a successful career in public service, and how the union will support them along the way.