Ex-editor Veronica Wadley defies critics to land top job in arts

New job: Veronica Wadley

One of Boris Johnson's closest allies was today controversially appointed head of the London Arts Council.

Veronica Wadley will take over as chairwoman of the funding body after the Mayor ignored claims of cronyism.

The appointment of Ms Wadley, a former editor of the Evening Standard who strongly backed Mr Johnson during his mayoral election campaign, follows a bitter row over her nomination.

The dispute led to the head of the national Arts Council condemning her as inadequately qualified for the role.Today Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary, approved the appointment.

The move puts Ms Wadley in charge of a multi-million pound budget affecting many of London's most important institutions. She was chosen unanimously for the role by an interview panel comprising Luke Rittner, a former chief executive of the Arts Council, Brian McMaster, the former head of the Edinburgh International Festival, Robin Young, a former permanent secretary at the Department for Culture, and Victoria Sharp, a philanthropist.

As news of the appointment emerged, Labour's former culture secretary Ben Bradshaw denounced the decision as a betrayal of the arts world.

Mr Bradshaw, who originally vetoed Ms Wadley's selection, said: "This is exactly what I predicted would happen if the Conservatives got into power. The new Culture Secretary needs to explain how this appointment complies with both the Nolan rules and the important arm's length principle in arts policy. The arts and culture world will be dismayed."

Former mayor Ken Livingstone said the appointment was a "payback" for Ms Wadley's support for Mr Johnson during the 2008 mayoral election.

He added: "Veronica has got no more ability to do that job than I have. It's a pure payback for the way she used the resources of the Evening Standard to back Boris at the last election. She should be going to prison, not the arts board. It politicises a post which you don't need to."

Mr Johnson robustly defended the decision, however, saying that Ms Wadley was a "hugely accomplished woman".

Nick Hytner, the director of the National Theatre, also praised the decision, describing Ms Wadley as a "fierce advocate for the London theatre".

Dame Liz Forgan, the chairwoman of Arts Council England, who previously opposed the appointment, today said: "I look forward to working with Veronica to address the many challenges and opportunities ahead."

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