Lord Patrick Vallance Stands Firm Against Serving as Minister under Tories
Lord Patrick Vallance, a prominent figure in the Labour party and a key player in the country’s response to the Covid pandemic, has made it clear that he would not have accepted a ministerial position in a Conservative government. Despite being appointed as a science minister following the victory of Keir Starmer’s party in the general election, Vallance stated unequivocally that he would have declined an offer to serve under a Tory administration.
In a recent statement, Vallance expressed his views on the matter, saying, “I wouldn’t have done, no,” in response to the hypothetical scenario of being asked by Rishi Sunak to consider serving in a Conservative government. He emphasized the distinction between serving as a civil servant, where he is willing to work under any government, and serving as a minister, which entails a political dimension that he is not comfortable with. According to Lord Vallance, being a minister requires involvement in the political system, which adds a layer of complexity that he is not prepared to navigate.
His stance on this issue is not surprising given his previous frustrations with the government’s handling of the Covid pandemic, as revealed in his private diaries. While Vallance clarified that his criticisms were directed more at the lack of integration of science and technology in the decision-making process rather than at individual ministers, his concerns about the government’s approach to utilizing scientific expertise remain valid.
Transforming UK Research and Innovation Under Lord Vallance’s Leadership
In light of his appointment as science minister and his vision for the future of research and innovation in the UK, Lord Vallance has outlined ambitious plans for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). With a budget of £9 billion a year, UKRI plays a crucial role in funding research across various disciplines and sectors. Vallance has set the challenge for the new chief executive of UKRI to transform the organization and align its priorities with the government’s strategic missions.
One of the key objectives outlined by Lord Vallance is to fund not only curiosity-driven research but also research that aligns with the government’s priorities, such as economic growth and clean energy initiatives. By leveraging research and innovation to address societal challenges and drive economic development, Vallance aims to maximize the impact of UKRI’s funding and support the government’s overarching goals.
The Search for a New CEO of UK Research and Innovation
As the current CEO of UKRI, Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser’s term is set to conclude in June 2025. The recruitment process for her successor has been reopened under the new government to find a leader capable of steering UKRI through its next phase of growth and impact. Lord Vallance emphasized the importance of selecting a CEO who can bring together diverse perspectives and disciplines to tackle complex problems effectively.
The ideal candidate for the CEO role at UKRI will need to demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to collaborate across different sectors, and a commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in research. With the mandate to drive forward the government’s strategic missions and support the UK’s position as a global leader in research and innovation, the new CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of UKRI under Lord Vallance’s leadership.
In conclusion, Lord Patrick Vallance’s refusal to serve as a minister under the Tories reflects his commitment to upholding the principles of scientific integrity and independence. His vision for transforming UK Research and Innovation aligns with the government’s strategic priorities and underscores the importance of leveraging research and innovation to drive societal progress and economic growth. As the search for a new CEO of UKRI continues, the future of research and innovation in the UK looks promising under Lord Vallance’s leadership.