Agency concerns over the Government’s marketing review have reached the House of Commons, with one MP claiming Cabinet Minister Francis Maude “has questions to answer” over the appointment of the roster.
The row erupted last week after agencies which were not successful cried foul over a number of issues with the process – conducted by the Government Procurement Services which replaced the COI last year.
One agency boss claimed the whole selection process “stinks”, while others have said they will appeal against the decision.
The DM roster includes Lida, TMW Bray Leino, and Lateral Group, while the digital roster features Indicia, DraftFCB, Bray Leino, BSS, TMW and CMW-sister agency Twentysix.
A major gripe is the appointment of Bray Leino, owned by The Mission Group, where Maude is a former non-executive chairman. But a spokesman for Maude told the Independent: “He has had no involvement with Mission Group for three years and had no knowledge that this framework was being set up.”
The IPA is still in talks with the Cabinet Office over the process, after it was inundated with disgruntled member agencies almost from the outset.
Meanwhile Labour MP Helen Goodman said: “Francis Maude certainly has questions to answer about what has happened since his doctrinaire decision to close down the COI. It looks as if there may be serious improprieties in the [Government] selection of the roster. It’s very important on issues such as road safety and people’s health that campaigns are really effective. This is what will produce the best value for money.”
The Cabinet Office said: “The Government Procurement Service operates transparent and fair tendering processes that ensure we are extracting the maximum value from every pound spent.”
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