Appointment of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

17 February 2025: Appointment of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

The Home Affairs Select Committee has interviewed the Government’s choice for Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. Full information is available at the link below, but here is the ‘Conclusion’ of HASC:

Conclusion

12. Mr Tuckett demonstrated significant experience of senior leadership in the public sector. We agree with the advisory assessment panel that Mr Tuckett meets the criteria for the position of Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

13. That said, Mr Tuckett resides in Finland, and told us he travels to the UK for work as required. To operate effectively we believe that the ICIBI needs to spend a significant proportion of their time in London, or conducting inspections across the UK. We are also concerned about the reputational risk this creates. Mr Tuckett said he would be willing to work in London five days a week if necessary. If appointed, it will be for Mr Tuckett to decide on his precise working patterns, but we would expect the majority of his working time to be spent in London, or on inspections.

14. In addition, Mr Tuckett repeatedly highlighted his intention to work collaboratively with the Home Office, but was less reflective about how he would challenge Ministers and senior officials when required. In the previous Parliament there were difficulties in the relationship between the Home Office and ICIBI—particularly when it came to the publication of reports submitted by the ICIBI. It will be essential, if Mr Tuckett is appointed as ICIBI, that he demonstrates his independence and ability to challenge the Home Office—both privately and publicly—when necessary. Mr Tuckett may also wish to reflect more on the public facing aspects of the role of the ICIBI, in improving levels of public trust.

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmselect/cmhaff/713/report.html

Independent: Starmer says his pick for UK borders watchdog will not work from home in Finland

The Government’s top candidate to become Britain’s new borders watchdog will work full-time in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer has said, after suggestions he could take on the job from his Finland home.

The Prime Minister said that John Tuckett, who was appointed immigration services commissioner under the previous Tory government, had been carrying out the role from abroad but that this arrangement will be changed.

It comes after Mr Tuckett, the Home Office’s pick for the new independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, appeared to suggest he could commute to Britain from Finland, where he is a resident, when needed.