National Audit Office

I beg to move, That an Humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that His Majesty will appoint Michael Jary CBE to the Office of Chair of the National Audit Office from 10 January 2027.

The chair of the National Audit Office plays an incredibly important role in our democracy. The role supports Parliament’s scrutiny of Government expenditure and safeguards the independence of the National Audit Office. At a time of continued pressure on public finances and household budgets, delivering value for money across Government is absolutely vital, so it is right that this appointment is made on the basis of merit and commands confidence from Members across the House.

Michael Jary brings extensive experience of leadership, governance and public service. As the Government lead non executive director, he provided independent advice and challenge across Government. His work strengthened the performance of the public institutions that all our constituents rely on. Indeed, his commitment to public sector effectiveness is such that since leaving that role he has led university programmes at home and abroad, challenging others to think about how leaders can deliver for the people they serve.

Alongside his many years of service in public roles, Michael has also supported the work of various charities, including the King’s Foundation and the Fairtrade Foundation. Remarkably, he has still found time to pen four books. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the values this office requires. I am confident that he has the judgment and experience necessary to fulfil its responsibilities and I commend this motion to the House.

I thank the Prime Minister very much for making this appointment. As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and the appointments panel, I warmly welcome the motion to appoint Michael Jary CBE as the next chair of the National Audit Office.

Michael Jary brings extensive experience in Government, leadership and organisational transformation, together with independence and judgment, to this important role. May I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the current chair, Dame Fiona Reynolds, for her distinguished service? The Public Accounts Committee has long benefited from the NAO’s outstanding support and we are grateful for her stewardship. Michael has the skills and the leadership needed to ensure the NAO remains a high performing, innovative and digitally enabled organisation, supporting Parliament’s detailed scrutiny of public spending and helping to secure value for money for taxpayers. For these reasons, I am delighted to support this appointment.

Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That an Humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that His Majesty will appoint Michael Jary CBE to the Office of Chair of the National Audit Office from 10 January 2027.