Standards watchdog writes to minister amid concern over lack of diversity in its membership

In his letter, sent in July but published this month, Lord Evans of Weardale said he looked forward to Professor Gillian Peele and Ewen Fergusson formally joining the committee at the beginning of 1 August.

He added: “Members of the Committee have, however, expressed concerns about our lack of visible diversity now as a group. With a remit across public life, the Committee needs to be representative of the people we serve.”

Lord Evans noted that there would be a further vacancy on the committee from January 2022 when Dr Jane Martin’s term of appointment comes to an end.

“We hope this diversity point can be given due weight by the Cabinet Office in the recruitment of future committee members,” he said.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.