BIS mulls changes to leadership council

The government is considering whether to replace up to two members of its 13-strong Construction Leadership Council.

Laing O’Rourke chief executive Anna Stewart stepped down from the leadership council (CLC) in January, a month after stepping down as boss of Laing O’Rourke due to ill health.

Meanwhile, Bouygues UK chairman and chief executive Madani Sow unexpectedly stepped down from the contractor in January, throwing into question his own position on the CLC.

A government spokesperson told Building: “The co-chairs are currently considering whether any changes are required to CLC membership. 

“We will of course communicate the outcome of those discussions when they are concluded.”

A source close to the council told Building a recruitment process was already underway to replace at least Stewart, but it was unclear whether a replacement was also being sought for Sow.

Stewart and Sow were in charge of two of the CLC’s most important work areas - tackling the skills crisis and improving efficiency in the supply chain. Work is still continuing in both areas while the two roles are determined, the source said.

The leadership council - joint led by co-chairs skills minister Nick Boles and Crossrail chairman Andrew Wolstenholme - was relaunched last summer to drive improvements in efficiency, skills and growth across the sector.

The rebooted council was in part designed to replace the role of chief construction adviser, which was axed after Peter Hansford completed his tenure in the role last November.