Conservatives attack Tony’s cronyism
The Tories last night attacked Prime Minister Tony Blair’s decision to appoint Labour’s outgoing general secretary as a working peer.
David Triesman, former head of the Association of University Teachers, was appointed a lord in
waiting and immediately made a Government whip.
He is set to receive a GBP60,972 a year for his work in the Lords.
Liam Fox, the Conservative co-chairman, slammed the appointment as yet another example of cronyism.
Dr Fox said: “Will there ever be an end to Tony’s cronies? The appointment is yet another example of Tony Blair unashamedly promoting his close allies and friends to positions of power.
“It is also the clearest indication yet of the Prime Minister’s fear of losing control of his own Party. The appointment of yet another placeman solely designed to boost the Prime Minister’s position, shows a level of distrust that Number Ten has in the Labour Party in Parliament.”
On January 1, Mr Triesman will pass on the general secretary’s job to Matt Carter, the assistant general secretary.
A list of up to 30 working peers is expected to be published early in the new year.
Mr Triesman said Dr Fox’s knee-jerk reaction demeaned the speaker.
Phil Woolas, deputy leader of the Commons, said the criticism was “absurd.”
“Even from Liam Fox I have rarely heard anything more absurd,” he said.
“Liam Fox really ought to engage his brain before he opens his mouth.”
