The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee has called on the Government to replace Pubs Code Adjudicator, Paul Newby.
The committee’s chair Iain Wright has written to the secretary of state, Greg Clark, to urge him to replace Newby because of a perceived conflict of interest and his inability to command the trust of pub tenants.
It follows a committee meeting earlier this month in which pubco reform campaigners questioned Newby’s ability to be impartial because of his career with Fleurets.
Wright said in his letter to Clark: “While the Committee has no reason to question Paul Newby’s integrity or his qualifications for the job, his long-standing relationship with pubcos through his past work and a continued financial connection has created a strong perception of a conflict of interest.
“The Pubs Code has the potential to significantly improve the embittered relationship between pubcos and many of their tenants, but it will only work if the Adjudicator is seen to be independent and is able to command the confidence of all the industry’s stakeholders.
“The Committee would like to see a new Pubs Code Adjudicator appointed from outside the sector, to ensure that this important role is - and is seen to be - completely independent and impartial.”
A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills confirmed to MCA that the letter had been received and would be responded to in due course.
