Strachan makes public sector top 10
James Strachan, head of the Audit Commission, has been ranked as the ninth most influential figure in the public services sector.
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The list was topped by London mayor Ken Livingstone, with Sir Ian Kennedy, the man who will head up the new NHS commission for healthcare audit and inspection ranked second, following a survey by Society Guardian
As head of the Audit Commission, Strachan is responsible for ensuring that public money is used economically, efficiently and effectively.
Strachan is outspoken and a strong defender of the powers of the commission. In June he hit out at government plans to strip the watchdog of powers to oversee the finances of new public sector bodies, including Tony Blair’s foundation hospitals.
Others on the list included Ed Balls, a key economic adviser to the chancellor and Rod Aldridge, executive chairman at Capita, a major bidder for government IT contracts.