Labour calls for inquiry over ‘cronyism’ in OfS appointment

Shadow education secretary calls for investigation and says Wharton’s appointment ‘undermines trust in public life’

The Labour Party has called for an investigation into the appointment of Conservative peer James Wharton as the new Office for Students chair, claiming it represents “another example of cronyism”.

In a letter to cabinet secretary Simon Case, shadow education secretary Kate Green (pictured) said Wharton “has none of the statutory qualifications” needed for his role as chair of the OfS and called on Case to open an investigation into how Wharton was chosen for the role.