MDP committee appoints new chair to make ‘transformational change’

The Ministry of Defence Police Committee has appointed a former senior Royal Air Force (RAF) officer as its chair. Sir Brian Burridge succeeded David Riddle as chair of the committee on October 1 after the decision was approved by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon. He is a former RAF air chief marshal who until recently was the chair of the UK Defence Solutions Centre. One of sir Brian’s first duties will be appointing a new chief constable following the sudden death of Alf Hitchcock in June. “I am very pleased at the prospect of returning to the MOD and being able to bring my wider experience to this important role,” Sir Brian said. “I am very much looking forward to working with the MOD police force again and recognise the significance of their role in securing some of the nation’s most sensitive assets.” Director General Head Office and Commissioning Services Julie Taylor added: “We are delighted that Sir Brian will be leading the Committee. “He brings an understanding of defence and a wealth of experience in business, and the factors that create successful transformational change in organisations.” Former Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board member Moi Ali, has also been appointed as an independent member of the committee. Earlier this year, she was sent a private letter asking her to resign by SPA chair Andrew Flanagan after criticising a controversial decision to hold meetings behind closed doors. Ms Ali told MSPs that she felt she was bullied after receiving the letter, adding that her departure was a “horrendous experience” At a meeting with Holyrood’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee, Mr Flanagan made a “full and unreserved personal apology” to Ms Ali.