The Telegraph reports that Cherie Blair’s application to head London 2012 has been rejected. Blair was told by the recruiting firm Saxon Bampfylde Hever that she doesn’t “have all the skills required to be considered as a bid leader”.
The London bid is attempting to accelerate efforts to hire its leader who will have the chief responsibility of international lobbying. London’s two main rivals – Paris and New York – already seem better prepared with advanced marketing campaigns.
There have been four candidates interviewed. Charles Allen is chairman of Granada, Barbara Cassani is an American businesswoman, Kevin Roberts works for the marketing firm Saatchi and Saatchi, and Gerry Robinson is chairman of the Arts Council England.
The final decision will be made next week and will be chosen by a panel of four including Sue Street from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, Simon Clegg, chief executive of the BOA, Jeff Jacobs from London Mayor’s office and Professor Roger Jackson of the University of Calgary, former president of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
