Wirral’s largest social landlord drops MP’s husband as new chairman

Oct 17 2012 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

WIRRAL’S biggest social landlord has abandoned plans to make Wirral South MP Alison McGovern’s husband their new chairman.

Wirral Partnership Homes announced economist and vice-chair of homelessness charity Broadway, Ashwin Kumar, as its new “chairman designate” in August. The announcement was immediately criticised by Wirral West MP Esther McVey and Tory councillors Chris Blakeley and Jeff Green.

Ms McVey had said she feared appointing Mr Kumar would create a “conflict of interest”.

Following this an emergency board meeting of the housing association was called.

Mr Kumar said he was disappointed by WPH’s decision but said: “I welcome the confirmation I’ve had from Wirral Partnership Homes that politically inspired complaints were without merit.

“It has been an unfortunate waste of time and money for everyone involved in what has turned out to be a pointless selection process.

“I am disappointed not to be starting working for tenants and residents today.”

In the summer, Jed Pearson – described as the “retiring chair” – said Mr Kumar was “someone who is more than capable of helping WPH plan for future challenges and opportunities whilst delivering our 2020 Vision”.

However the AGM passed without Mr Kumar’s appointment being included on the agenda.

Other controversial proposals which included reducing WPH’s board from 15 to nine board members chosen for their “skills and experiences” and changing its name to Magenta Living Ltd – “a brand which expresses our core values and ambitions” – also passed by without being approved.

A WPH spokesperson said the organisation does “not want to comment at this time”.