Ed and Ruth join the JSC boardFormer Shadow Chancellor and Education Secretary, Ed Balls, and Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Ruth Davidson, have been appointed to the Management Board of the John Smith Centre for Public Service. 

The Centre is a non-partisan hub for exploring ideas about public service, with a particular focus on politics.  Through advocacy, debate and insight it aims to help restore trust in politicians and the ideal of public service as a noble vocation.

Ed Balls commented that 'It is a privilege for me to work to make good the values that John Smith stood for in a modern setting that needs them more than ever. Politics has the potential to transform people’s lives for the better.'

Ruth Davidson added 'Public service and political representation are not easy jobs for anyone; but they are crucial to the well-being of us all.  Restoring respect and value to the vocation is something that transcends party politics. I am delighted to accept this role and look forward to the work ahead.'

The Centre's mission is to challenge modern perceptions of politicians and to raise the bar for all those elected to public office. Through advocacy, debate and insight we aim to help restore trust in politicians and the ideal of public service as a noble vocation. The Board is also made up of Catherine Smith (Chair), Professor Anne Anderson OBE, Dr Matt Carter,  David Muir, Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill, and Andrew Wilson.

First published: 26 March 2018

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