Controversial Commonwealth boss has term extended as CHOGM is delayed indefinitely

The controversial head of the Commonwealth Secretariat - Baroness Patricia Scotland - has had her term extended due to the coronavirus pandemic but has failed in her bid to have her four-year term renewed amid a push from Australia and the UK to have her replaced as soon as possible over claims of cronyism. While the extension is a temporary reprieve for Baroness Scotland, the extension sets the clock ticking on her term for the first time.

Earlier this year, Australia and Britain pulled funding after an investigation found the Labour peer circumvented normal tender rules to deliver her friend a contract worth $500,000, and want the former Labour Attorney-General replaced.

Scotland’s four-year term as secretary-general of the Londonbased Commonwealth Secretariat was due to expire in March but was extended until the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting planned for June, when her fate would be decided. But with CHOGM in Rwanda postponed until at least next year and possibly even longer due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Commonwealth Secretariat revealed her position had been extended until the meeting could be held.

The decision came after a fourhour virtual meeting involving diplomatic officials and some of the 54 Commonwealth leaders on Wednesday regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

“The UK as chair in office wrote to the secretary-general today to inform her that there had been consensus to extending her contract until leaders are able to meet at the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM),” a Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

“The usual reappointment process for Commonwealth secretary generals occurs when leaders gather for CHOGM, therefore the Chair in Office has proposed that, as is customary, the reappointment process will now take place when CHOGM is able to meet.” “Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Kigali CHOGM in Rwanda has been postponed. A new date will be set as soon as is possible,” the spokesperson said.

Baroness Scotland’s already-extended contract had been due to expire on June 27. The Dominicanborn Lady Scotland had sought a second term and her critics in Boris Johnson’s government are being accused of acting as a colonial power for trying to replace her. Baroness Scotland denies any wrongdoing, despite an audit criticising her for circumventing normal tender rules to give a contract to KYA Global - a firm owned by Lord Patel of Bradford - her friend and fellow Labour peer.

Baroness Scotland awarded the contract on her personal recommendation. She has previously infuriated the Australian government by inviting world leaders to Adelaide for a charity cricket match without seeking Australia’s permission first.

That prompted an uncharacteristically stern letter from Foreign Minister Marise Payne that she cease and desist.