MPs back Doug Gurr for CMA chair but demand safeguards over conflicts and independence

"The committee stressed that serious concerns remain about the context of his appointment and the broader direction of competition policy. Mr Gurr, a former senior executive at Amazon, was questioned extensively by MPs about his ability to act independently, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the removal of the previous chair amid pressure to align the watchdog more closely with the Government's pro-growth agenda."

"Committee members made clear that the CMA must not prioritise investment or consolidation over consumer welfare, warning that growth cannot come at the expense of competition. MPs also expressed unease about potential conflicts of interest arising from Gurr's long and senior career at Amazon, one of the world's largest technology companies."

"The committee suggested ministers consider whether he should recuse himself from any future decision about designating Amazon with Strategic Market Status under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. MPs noted that staff numbers at the regulator have almost doubled over the past decade, yet competitive pressures in the UK economy have not improved."

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee approved Doug Gurr's appointment as permanent chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, confirming he possesses required professional competence and independence. However, the committee raised significant concerns about his appointment context and competition policy direction. Gurr, a former senior Amazon executive, faced extensive questioning about maintaining independence, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest with his previous employer. MPs emphasized the CMA must prioritize consumer welfare over growth and investment, and suggested Gurr should recuse himself from decisions about Amazon's Strategic Market Status designation. The committee also criticized the CMA's broader performance, noting that despite doubled staff numbers over a decade, competitive pressures in the UK economy have not improved, and enforcement action during the cost-of-living crisis was inadequate.

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