Minister McGovern to Florence Eshalomi: Local Audit Office Chair (accessible)
Published 26 May 2026
Applies to England
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Alison McGovern MP
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Florence Eshalomi MP Chair of the HCLG Select Committee
By email
20 May 2026
Dear Florence,
I am writing further to my letters of 2 December 2025 and 20 January 2026 to update you on the recruitment campaign for the inaugural Chair of the Local Audit Office.
Following an open competition conducted in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments, I am pleased to inform you that I have selected Bill Butler as the preferred candidate for this role. I am grateful for the support and advice your Clerks have provided to officials to arrange a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing with Mr Butler on 16 June 2026. My department will announce Mr Butler as the preferred candidate for this role on 26 May.
I look forward to receiving your report following the pre-appointment hearing. Please let me know if you would like any further information.
Best wishes,
Alison McGovern MP
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness