A government official confirmed the news to POLITICO on Tuesday evening.
The Department for Business and Trade reportedly warned Sarah Bokkerink, the departing chief of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), that the regulator was not adequately aligning with the government’s ambition to boost economic growth.
The Labour government has directed its regulators to actively seek ways to invigorate the struggling economy. Last week, top officials from several regulatory bodies, including the CMA, were summoned to meet with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to discuss this agenda.
The CMA had presented a range of proposals to the government, including an artificial intelligence tool designed to detect procurement fraud. However, these suggestions did not appear to satisfy ministers, who have been pressing for bold action.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously highlighted his dissatisfaction with the CMA during a speech at Britain’s International Investment Summit in October 2024, underscoring broader tensions between the regulator and Downing Street.
Bokkerink’s resignation comes at a pivotal juncture for the CMA. The regulator has recently assumed new responsibilities, including enforcing rules on major tech companies under a regime aimed at fostering competition in digital markets. While the CMA insists this framework will create fairer conditions and enhance market competition, major tech firms have expressed concerns that it could diminish their willingness to invest in the U.K.
The appointment of Doug Gurr as Bokkerink’s likely successor could signal a shift in tone. Currently serving as the director of London’s Natural History Museum and chair of the Alan Turing Institute, Gurr represents a potential ally for the tech sector. His leadership may shape how the CMA navigates the delicate balance between fostering competition and maintaining the U.K.’s appeal as a destination for tech investment.
The CMA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the leadership change.
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