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Natural England chair ‘preferred candidate’ named

   

NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 189/09
Date: 10 August 2009

Poul Christensen is the Government’s preferred candidate for the vacant post of Chair of Natural England, the independent body which conserves, enhances and manages the natural environment.

Mr Christensen, currently Acting Chair, has been Deputy Chair and a Board Member of Natural England since 2006.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has asked MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee to hold a public hearing to consider Mr Christensen’s suitability for the post, in line with recent proposals for scrutiny of key positions in which Parliament has an interest.

After the hearing, the Select Committee will publish a report which the Secretary of State will consider before deciding whether or not to approve the appointment.

Notes to editors

  1. For more information about Natural England go to www.naturalengland.gov.uk.
  2. The recruitment process was conducted in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies.

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Page published: 10 August 2009