New pubs watchdog has clear ‘conflict of interest’

THE NEWLY-APPOINTED pubs code adjudicator should be replaced because of his “inability” to command the trust of pub tenants, a committee of MPs has told the Government.

The Business Committee said Paul Newby had a “perceived conflict of interest” because of his career as a surveyor with Fleurets, which receives income from large pub companies.

MPs said that during its inquiry into his role, tenants questioned his ability to be impartial.

Greg Mulholland MP, Lib Dem MP for Leeds North West, who chairs the Parliamentary Save The Pub Group, has also been involved in scrutinising the £130,000 a year post.

He said in April in a Westminster Hall debate in the House of Commons that Mr Newby has a conflict of interest that disqualifies him from the job because of his link to Fleurets, the largest surveying practice operating in the very sector he is supposed to regulate.

But Mr Mulholland also said the role had not worked out so far because it had taken the Government so long to agree to a Pubs Code regarding the country’s six largest pub companies and their tennants in England and Wales.

Iain Wright MP, who chairs the committee, said: “While the committee has no reason to question Paul Newby’s integrity or his qualifications for the job, his longstanding 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.”