4:23 am - February 12, 2025
The UK government’s preferred candidate for the role of chief inspector of borders and immigration, John Tuckett, has revealed to MPs that he resides in Finland and commutes to the UK when his work requires it. Tuckett, who has served as the immigration services commissioner for the past six years, appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday as part of the appointment process for the next independent chief inspector of borders and immigration (ICIBI). During the hearing, he was asked about his living arrangements and whether he lives within commuting distance of the London office. Tuckett responded, “No, I don’t. I have a family home in Finland, and I come across to this country whenever I need to.” This disclosure raised eyebrows among the MPs, who questioned how he could effectively oversee the UK’s border operations without being a full-time resident in the country. Tuckett defended his situation by stating, “I work in the UK, and I would be in the UK. I’m resident in Finland.” He also clarified that he covers his own travel and accommodation expenses, adding, “I always have done.”
When pressed further about the practicality of his commuting arrangement, Tuckett explained that he would be fully capable of working five days a week in the office if required. He emphasized the importance of being available for face-to-face meetings with ministers, site visits, and other critical tasks. However, he also highlighted the need for downtime to reflect and write reports, noting that such tasks cannot be rushed. “You don’t write a report in 10 spare minutes between two major appointments,” he remarked. Tuckett suggested that the role of the chief inspector should involve a balanced split of time, with roughly 60% dedicated to active, face-to-face work and 40% allocated for reflective, writing-intensive tasks. He assured the committee that his previous experience in similar roles has prepared him to manage this balance effectively.
Tuckett’s nomination for the chief inspector position was announced by the Home Office in January. His background includes serving as the chief executive of the Marine Management Organisation and working for the Archbishop of York, in addition to his current role as immigration services commissioner. Migration Minister Seema Malhotra praised Tuckett’s qualifications, stating, “His track record of delivering complex change programmes across government, combined with his current role as immigration services commissioner, makes him ideally suited to take on this crucial independent oversight role at an important time for our border security.” If confirmed, Tuckett will replace David Bolt, who has been serving as the interim watchdog since June of last year.
The role of the chief inspector of borders and immigration is a critical one, requiring the holder to provide independent oversight of the UK’s border security and immigration systems. The position became vacant after the previous incumbent, David Neal, was dismissed in February of last year amid allegations that he had breached the terms of his appointment. Neal later expressed frustration over the lengthy delays in publishing his reports and the limited avenues available for him to voice his concerns about security issues. His dismissal and subsequent comments highlighted the challenges and sensitivities surrounding the role, underscoring the need for a suitable replacement who can navigate these complexities effectively.
Tuckett’s commuting arrangement has sparked some debate about whether his residency in Finland could impact his ability to fully engage with the demands of the role. However, he has sought to reassure the committee that his living situation will not hinder his performance. By covering his own travel and accommodation costs, he has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that his personal circumstances do not impose additional burdens on the taxpayer. Additionally, his extensive experience in managing complex public sector roles suggests that he is capable of balancing his responsibilities despite the geographic distance between his home and workplace.
In conclusion, John Tuckett’s nomination as the next chief inspector of borders and immigration has brought attention to the unique challenges of the role, including the need for a leader who can simultaneously manage face-to-face duties and reflective, writing-intensive tasks. While his decision to maintain a family home in Finland has raised questions about his residency, Tuckett has sought to address these concerns by emphasizing his ability to commute and his willingness to cover his own expenses. The Home Office’s confidence in his abilities, combined with his extensive track record of delivering results in complex roles, suggests that he is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of this critical position. As the appointment process moves forward, both the committee and the public will be watching closely to see how Tuckett rises to the challenges of this important role.