Former minister put forward to chair LWaRB

A former environment minister looks set to become chair of the London Waste and Recycling Board after current chair James Cleverly steps down next month.

London Assembly member Richard Tracey, who was environment and sports minister from 1985-7 under Thatcher, has been put forward to chair the board by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The nomination emerged ahead of a meeting tomorrow (July 25) of the London Assemblys confirmation hearings committee. The committee will assess whether Mr Tracey is suitable for the role and make a recommendation to the Mayor who will then decide whether to go ahead with the appointment.

The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWaRB) was established in 2007 and met for the first time in 2008. It is intended to give a strategic steer to waste management in the capital and is charged with distributing funds to waste projects.

If successful, Mr Tracey will take over at the helm of the LWaRB from current chair James Cleverly on August 11 2012 (see letsrecycle.com story) and will hold this position until May 7 2016. He will receive 15,000 per annum for his work.

Experience

As well as his experience as a Conservative minister, Mr Tracey served as an MP for Surbiton for 14 years and served as a senior member of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

Explaining the reasons behind the nomination in a letter to Mr Tracey, Mr Johnson said: You will make an excellent chair of LWaRB. Not only did you serve with distinction as an MP for 14 years, including a spell on the high profile and influential Public Accounts Committee, you were also an Environment Minister in the Government of the time.

You have given much to other areas of public life too examples include being a Justice of Peace and a Board Member of Sport England and I strongly believe you have the experience and leadership skills required to work successfully with the boroughs on the waste initiatives LWaRB funds and promotes.

Prior to his work as an MP, Mr Tracey was also a journalist and worked as a current affairs broadcaster for the BBCs television and radio, as well as working at the Daily Express.

Role

While no formal job description has been issued to Mr Tracey, it is expected that he will be responsible for a number of tasks including: bringing about action to facilitate waste management across London; leading the overall strategic direction of LWaRB; and, promoting its visions, values and culture. This is based on the responsibilities that Mr Cleverly is currently undertaking.

Mr Traceys role will help LWaRB to work towards its three main objectives, which are to promote and encourage: the production of less waste; an increase in the proportion of waste that is re-used or recycled, and; the use of methods of collection, treatment and disposal of waste which are more beneficial to the environment.