Paul Blomfield MP slams Tory "ambush" of Government Fair Access Director

Business Select Committee member Paul Blomfield MP has slammed Conservative members of the Committee for opposing the appointment of Bedfordshire Vice-Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon as Director of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

Professor Ebdon was selected for the job of Director of OFFA by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Universities Minister David Willetts, from a shortlist prepared by a high-powered independent panel. But Conservative members of the Business Select Committee voted to reject his nomination at a meeting held on Monday 6 February.

Paul Blomfield MP, who is also Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary University Group said: "Professor Ebdon was the victim of a political ambush which had more to do with coalition politics than concern with access to our universities. It is students from poorer backgrounds who will suffer from this appalling game-playing.  

"Professor Ebdon has a strong leadership experience at the highest level in higher education and a great track record on improving access to university. He would be an effective champion for improving participation from under-represented groups. I hope the Business Secretary will ignore this game-playing, and confirm the appointment."