The era of austerity is posing issues for this government and exposing limits regarding communication skills.
Eric Pickles, who is the communities secretary announced today in the Telegraph that the Audit Commission, the independent watchdog was to be scrapped which will no doubt put 2,000 staff's jobs at risk. News of the interview leaked out yesterday as the Telegraph trailed the interviews on its website.
On the one hand, one can understand why he has gone for the Audit Commission. See the piece here.
The problem for Mr. Pickles just stack up, and there will be payback later.
1 He lost control of his department. The timing of the announcement was dictated by a newspaper, not himself.
2. He has fallen out with his Chief Executive, Eugene Sullivan. She has already taken issue with the decison by saying to staff "I am surprised by this decision. The decision has been taken without any consultation." Note, this memo was leaked.
3 He has damaged his political party. 2,000 staff are hardly going to be more inclined to vote Tory, though it may be they were a lost cause in any event for the Conservatives.
All this could have been avoided if Mr. Pickes had more upfront with his Chief Executive and the organisation and engaged in consultation. This is where communication counts more than in the decision. You do not have to sack someone and fall out with them. From what I have read the decsion looks justified, but the form does not.
In my view,Mr Pickles will experience political problems due to this incident.
Justin Patten, Mediator