Latest top Government hire slammed as "questionable"

The appointment of a former Home Office Director to help develop the Government’s public policies has been described as “hugely questionable” by an Assistant Minister, just a few hours after its announcement.

Paul Wylie, who currently works in the London Mayor’s Office as Director of Strategy responsible for policing, crime and communities, has been appointed as Group Director of Policy for the Department for Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance.

According to information provided by the Government’s Press Office, he has spent the last few years working on high profile issues such as the response to Black Lives Matter, tackling violence and embedding neighbourhood policing.

The latest senior appointment in the Civil Service is hugely questionable and yet again, laughs in the face of islanders, as a UK civil servant takes another senior job in Jersey. How can islanders believe in Jersey if they're told they can't govern it?

— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) December 22, 2020

But just a few hours after the announcement of the appointment, the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, described it as “hugely questionable”, citing the fact that another senior role had gone to a UK civil servant.

Prior to his current role, the Government says Mr Wylie previously worked for the Home Office for nearly 13 years, including over four years as Director of Immigration Enforcement for London and South England. 

As well as leading various projects to reduce illegal immigration, Mr Wylie is said to have played a key advisory role to the Home Secretary for nearly four years.

Pictured: Paul Wylie currently works in the London Mayor’s Office as Director of Strategy responsible for policing, crime and communities.

“This is a key role, and with 17 years’ experience in public service, Paul will add strength to policy formation and delivery as we work to implement the Island’s strategic priorities,” Director General for Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, Tom Walker, said.

“Paul brings valuable expertise, which will add to the diversity of talent and expertise across our senior policy specialists. He will join us as we continue to tackle the impacts of covid-19 and Brexit. It’s a demanding time, but he brings valuable experience of strategic analysis, policy building and operational delivery.”

Mr Wylie will be moving to the island with his family to start his new role in February 2021. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead and develop public policy for the Government of Jersey at this challenging time,” he commented.

“My family and I are excited to move here, and I look forward to contributing more to Island life, both professionally and personally.”

Over 200 prospective on and off-island candidates were initially considered with a shortlist of 14 – 10 men and four women – eventually reduced to three for the final interview.