Government attack short sellers and then appoint Paul Myners
In a move which is again very brave or very foolish we have seen Gordon Brown bring in a new adviser to his government in the shape of Paul Myners. He has been appointed as City minister in the Lords and brings with him some very strong credentials and experience which very few in the industry could match. He has worked for Marks and Spencer, Guardian Media and Land Securities, so why the big debate?
It has also been revealed that Paul Myners works as an advisor to GLG Partners which is one of the largest hedge funds in the UK. However, it is the fact that this hedge fund had a short position in Bradford and Bingley larger than anyone else in the market place. In affect Gordon Brown has brought in someone who advised the largest short sellers in the market to advise the City how to operate. Hypocrisy?
If it was not for the short selling angle and the fact that the government has been very vocal in it damnation of the practice over the last few weeks there would be no problem, but how will this new appointment work? Are we looking at a poacher turned game keeper scenario?
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