The appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the UK’s COVID corruption commissioner has been criticised as unlikely to recover significant taxpayer funds, according to leading audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
Fiona Fernie, a partner at the firm, questioned the value of the role, particularly given the time elapsed since the alleged corruption took place during the pandemic.
“Four years after the events occurred, it’s unclear why Rachel Reeves believes this appointment will achieve more than previous investigations, including the National Audit Office’s 2020 review or the Boardman Review in 2021,” Fernie said.
Hayhoe’s 12-month tenure has also been criticised as insufficient for such a complex inquiry. Fernie warned that those involved in questionable activities during the pandemic have had years to obscure evidence, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
Although Hayhoe is expected to provide recommendations on future government procurement processes during crises, Fernie questioned what additional insights this could offer beyond existing reviews, including the COVID inquiry led by Baroness Heather Hallett and the National Crime Agency’s ongoing investigations into potential PPE-related criminal offences.
The delay in appointing Hayhoe has also come under scrutiny. Despite being a Labour manifesto pledge, it took five months into their government for the appointment to be finalised, with frequent public promises of an imminent announcement.
Fernie expressed support for efforts to investigate fraud and recover public funds but cautioned that the cost of Hayhoe’s role might outweigh the financial recoveries it achieves. “This appointment may easily cost the Exchequer more than it will recover and is unlikely to bring any new information to light,” she said.
The criticism raises broader questions about the effectiveness of retrospective investigations and the balance between accountability and the cost of pursuing historical cases.