IT WAS the latest high-profile appointment for the man who has become the face of Capital of Culture.

But Phil Redmond’s appointment as chair of trustees at National Museums Liverpool (NML) has not met with full approval by the board.

He joined another Redmond – his wife and business partner Alexis – in the boardroom.

And the possibility of a conflict of interest arising has led to one of the most respected trustees handing in her resignation.

Gillian Reynolds also claims another two board members have privately expressed disquiet over his arrival, but have resolved to “give it a try”.

Mrs Reynolds, who served as a trustee for seven years, handed in her resignation last month. The veteran broadcaster and journalist attended just one board meeting following Mr Redmond’s appointment.

But, after “two sleepless nights”, she resolved her only option was to quit.

Last night Mr Redmond described the move as “nonsense”, while NML chair David Fleming said the Redmonds’ involvement was a “cause for celebration”.

Mrs Reynolds, 72, said because Alexis Redmond chairs the finance committee, there would have been no-one to approach if she needed to complain about how that committee was run.

She told the Daily Post: “I had a problem with the board being chaired by someone who was married to someone who’s a trustee of the board and chairs the finance committee. This is nothing personal.”

Mrs Reynolds, who had a near-unblemished attendance record at NML meetings, also said since resigning “one or two” other trustees told her they “understand my unease” but are “prepared to give it a go”.

She continued: “I don’t think you can conduct the affairs of a public trust like a private company. Hypothetically, if I were to have some problem with the way the finance committee was being run, to whom should I turn? And at that point Phil still couldn’t see my problem.

“After two sleepless nights, I decided I couldn’t continue.”

Mr Redmond was appointed by Andy Burnham, secretary of state for culture media and sport in August.

He said the recruitment process had involved lengthy discussions over any potential conflict of interest but he and DCMS civil servants decided there was no issue.

Mr Redmond, who is creative director of Liverpool Culture Company, said: “I thought it was nonsense. Her point that she makes is nonsense – there’s absolutely no real or perceived conflict. I thought about it carefully and discussed it at length with the department.

“This is public service, it’s people pulling together to do good for everybody.”

He added that no one had complained about Mrs Redmond’s stewardship of the finance committee.

If a complaint did arise and needed to be discussed at board level, he said he would declare an interest at the start of the meeting and seek an alternative substitute chair.

Dr Fleming added: “The management team at NML, and our audit team, are both entirely satisfied with gover-nance arrangements put in place by the Government.

“We think the close involvement of both Alexis and Phil Redmond, who each gives a huge amount of time to helping NML, is a cause for celebration, and is good news for Liverpool.”

PHIL REDMOND: PAGE 13

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