Britain’s Competition Watchdog Faces Board Departures

Introduction to the Issue

Britain’s competition watchdog has been hit by another wave of board departures less than a year after ministers ousted its chairman as part of their efforts to boost economic growth.

Recent Departures

Technology industry veteran Dharmash Mistry and Cynthia Dubin, who has decades of experience in energy and industrial companies, have both resigned from the board of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in recent months. Neither departure was officially announced by the regulator as Mr Mistry had joined the board just 18 months earlier.

Background on the Resignations

Their departures came months after Marcus Bokkerink was removed as chairman of the regulator by the Chancellor and the then business minister. He was temporarily replaced by Doug Gurr, the former boss of Amazon UK, who is now expected to take the job for a longer term.

Concerns Over Government Interference

A source claimed that concerns about government interference in the CMA’s work may have been a reason for at least one of the resignations – a suggestion denied by both the CMA and the Department of Business and Trade. Neither Mr. Mistry nor Ms. Dubin could be reached for comment.

Response from Authorities

A spokesperson said, “We thank Dharmash and Cynthia for their work with the CMA,” adding that they “did not acknowledge” the suggestion that both were concerned about political interference. “We remain committed to the CMA’s independence and want regulators to stimulate the economy with pro-business decisions that promote prosperity and growth.”

CMA’s Stance on Independence

A CMA spokesman said, “Both former board members left the company due to other commitments and it is incorrect to suggest otherwise.” “The CMA continues to make its decisions independently of the government.”