Corruption is a Crime

A couple of weeks ago, we reported that Lib Dem MP Norman Baker had called for the resignation of Sir John Bourn, the head of the National Audit Office, after Sir John ran up significant expenses bills on public money and accepted hospitality from companies including BAE Systems.

It’s now been announced that Sir John will stand down, retiring in January. His decision has been welcomed by Norman Baker:

“Sir John Bourn has made the correct decision and he should be thanked for the work he has done. But the next incumbent cannot end up in a position where he embarrasses the National Audit Office through expenses claims and perceived conflicts of interest.”

An intriguing tangent to the BAE/Al Yamamah arms deal affair has come to light.

The National Audit Office has revealed that its head, Comptroller and Auditor General Sir John Bourn, has run up significant expenses bills - paid for by the taxpayer - and has also received corporate hospitality from various sources.

One of these is BAE Systems, who paid for Sir John to attend the British Grand Prix during the summer. Sir John has previously refused to release the NAO’s own report into BAE’s Al Yamamah deal.

As a result of these revelations, Norman Baker MP, the Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, has called on Sir John to resign, saying:

“It is incredible that Sir John Bourn has seen fit to run up gigantic bills for largesse at the taxpayers’ expense.

“Even more serious is appearing to accept hospitality from companies such as BAE which compromises the independent and professional standing essential to someone in this post.

“The time has come for him to call it a day in the interests of good administration.”