UK’s COVID Corruption Commissioner Appointment Criticized for Lack of Impact

The appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the UK’s COVID corruption commissioner has faced criticism, with experts questioning its potential to recover significant taxpayer funds. Leading audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg has raised concerns about the value of the role, particularly given the time that has passed since the alleged corruption occurred during the pandemic.

Fiona Fernie, a partner at Blick Rothenberg, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the appointment, noting that four years had passed since the alleged incidents took place. She questioned why the new role would yield better results than previous investigations, such as the National Audit Office’s 2020 review and the Boardman Review in 2021. “It’s unclear why Rachel Reeves believes this appointment will achieve more than these prior reviews,” Fernie said.

Hayhoe’s appointment for a 12-month term has also been criticized for being too brief to tackle such a complex issue. Fernie pointed out that those involved in questionable activities during the pandemic have had years to hide or destroy evidence, making any recovery efforts even more challenging. She also questioned the necessity of the role, given that Hayhoe is expected to offer recommendations on government procurement processes during crises, which could overlap with the findings of other ongoing investigations, including the COVID inquiry led by Baroness Heather Hallett and the National Crime Agency’s investigation into potential criminal offenses related to PPE.

The delayed appointment of Hayhoe has also raised eyebrows. Despite being a Labour manifesto pledge, it took five months into their government to finalize the appointment, with multiple public promises of an imminent announcement. Critics argue that this delay undermines the urgency of addressing the issue.

While Fernie acknowledged the importance of investigating fraud and recovering public funds, she cautioned that the cost of Hayhoe’s role could outweigh any financial recoveries. “This appointment may easily cost the Exchequer more than it will recover and is unlikely to bring any new information to light,” she stated.

The criticism of Hayhoe’s appointment highlights broader concerns about the effectiveness of retrospective investigations and the balance between holding individuals accountable and the cost of pursuing historical cases.