How politicians failed to learn from the charity sex abuse scandal

When Tamsyn Barton was summoned before MPs last month to be quizzed on her suitability to run the official aid watchdog, she was asked about priorities in the post. She insisted she planned ‘to build back public trust in the effectiveness of aid,’ admitting support for the government’s £13.4bn spending spree was waning. This rising concern is unsurprising given a tide of sex abuse scandals, furores over fat cat pay, disclosures of dodgy behaviour and endless exposure of appalling waste. Sadly the core problem is a government policy that shows contempt for the public. Voters see politicians running an indebted economy who impose tax rises and spending cuts at home while squandering vast sums on vanity projects abroad. This is arrogance of the highest order, especially when Westminster closes ranks to back a ridiculous spending target on aid brushed aside by most major nations. And few things highlight this attitude more than the appointment of Dr Barton herself to such a critical post.

For once, the issue is not remuneration – although her taxpayer-funded package of at least £92,960 plus ‘benefits’ and a hefty pension is a world away from the poor people she claims to serve.