GCHQ boss defends his position

10:25am Friday 12th December 2008

By Emma Tilley

FORMER GCHQ boss Sir David Pepper has ended the confusion over his appointment by releasing his contract details, including his salary.

In October, the council announced that Sir David would be brought in as a consultant to work with the management team two days a month.

However opposition leaders accused council chiefs of using tax-payers money to appoint a non-executive director without any consultation with the public.

Liberal Democrat and Labour members made a Freedom of Information request at Shire Hall to find out what Sir David's salary was.

Under the Data Protection Act, the council was not permitted to issue details of the salary being paid to Sir David for his duties.

But now Sir David has decided to waive his rights in respect of this issue in order to clear up any misunderstanding or confusion.

Pete Bungard, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Sir David was concerned that the debate surrounding his salary would undermine the purpose of his engagement so he decided to waive his rights in this respect.

"He will be paid £14,000 for working with us until April, providing an invaluable insight into our business.

"I hope this brings the matter to a close and allows Sir David to get on with the job he is being paid to do."

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