The resignation of NACC Commissioner Paul Brereton raises concerns over the independence of the appointment process for his replacement, highlighting the need for transparent, merit-based selection to restore public confidence.
The Supreme Court of India criticized the current appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), suggesting it allows the government to appoint its preferred candidate. The court proposed including an independent person, such as the Chief Justice of India (CJI), in the selection panel instead of a Cabinet minister to ensure neutrality.
Senior civil servants appeared before a parliamentary committee to explain the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. Evidence revealed pressure from Number 10 to expedite the vetting process before Trump's inauguration, concerns about Mandelson's Epstein connections, and admissions that neither Barton nor McSweeney knew Mandelson had failed UK security vetting. Both officials faced questions about the propriety of the process, with McSweeney admitting he wrongly advised the prime minister to support the appointment.
