Is Political Interference Impacting British Museum's Leadership Appointment?

In a recent development at the British Museum, tensions have arisen between museum officials and the Prime Minister’s office regarding the selection of the institution’s next director.

Reports from the Telegraph indicate a clash between British Museum chairman George Osborne and officials from the Prime Minister’s office over the selection process for the museum’s next director. Downing Street officials purportedly ordered museum trustees to send the names of two finalists for the directorship to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his advisors. This move aimed to give Sunak’s office the authority to decide on the candidate deemed fit for the prestigious position.

Chairman George Osborne reportedly rebuffed this demand, citing concerns that it deviated from customary practice and posed a threat to the museum’s independence. Despite the clash, Nicholas Cullinan, the current director of the National Portrait Gallery, was named as the British Museum’s next director on March 28. This appointment follows a series of controversies at the museum, notably regarding the theft of over 1,800 items from its collection, leading to a lawsuit against former curator Peter Higgs. This incident isn’t the first instance of political tensions affecting staff appointments at the British Museum. In 2020, the office of Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly rejected the addition of Mary Beard to the museum’s board, citing her political views.

Interim museum director Mark Jones expressed concerns about the growing politicisation of board nominations in museums and galleries, emphasising the importance of selecting members based on their suitability and contributions to the institution rather than political considerations.

Feature Image: British Museum chairman George Osborne | Courtesy: cnbc