An Australian living in London who runs Kazakhstan's railways? He's clearly the best man to lead Lothian Buses

Published on Thursday 3 March 2011 15:26

OPPOSITION councillors may refuse to back the appointment of a new chairman of Lothian Buses because he is based in London.

The move follows Edinburgh city council's recruitment committee recommending that Australian-born Chris Walton should lead the city's main bus operator, following the resignation of David Mackay.

The Labour group could abstain when the local authority, which owns the firm, is asked to endorse the former aviation chief. It is also believed to have concerns that Mr Walton has no experience of the bus industry.

Labour group leader Andrew Burns said: "I have significant concern about the individual being based in London for such a crucial post regarding transport in Edinburgh."

He said his group would decide next week what action to take.

Mr Walton is expected to take over as Lothian Buses' chairman next month, to replace stand-in Ron Hewitt. It comes four months after the departure of Mr Mackay, who described part of the tram project, which he also chaired, as "hell on wheels".

Mr Mackay took over in January 2010 from Pilmar Smith, who was chairman for 12 years.

• Chris Walton's CV

Mr Walton is likely to have to address widespread fears that Lothian Buses could suffer expected initial tram losses when the two operations are combined, although he declined to comment on the issue yesterday.

However, he acknowledged he would have to "look at the bigger picture", as well as lead the bus firm.

Mr Walton, a former finance director of EasyJet, said he would "absolutely have to do more work" than just chairing the seven meetings a year required.

He said: "I will be spending as much time as I need to be in Edinburgh, but I am not the managing director. I am there to provide direction, framework and corporate governance. That's a very different role from having to be in the control room and have hands on the levers."

Mr Walton, 53, said he already travelled frequently to Athens to chair Greek shipping firm Goldenport, and to Kazakhstan, where he is a director of its state railways.

He said he had visited Edinburgh many times, both while at EasyJet and for meetings with Goldenport shareholders, such as Standard Life.

Lothians SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said Mr Walton had to prove his knowledge of the Scottish capital.

She said: "He obviously has extensive experience of transport; it's just a shame he doesn't have any experience of Edinburgh.

"Lothian Buses has been through a difficult period with an uncertain future as the tram debacle rumbles on. It's a company which Edinburgh people care about a great deal and one which they have been rightly proud of in the past. I hope Mr Walton can appreciate that from an office 400 miles away."

Mr Walton, who has also held senior positions at Qantas and Air New Zealand, described Lothian Buses as an "icon". He said: "It is a profitable and well-run service. Edinburgh is very lucky to have a business like Lothian."

The council said Mr Walton had applied for the post rather than approached by a headhunter. Its recruitment committee recommended him as preferred candidate for the 21,000-a-year post of non-executive chairman after interviews on Monday.

CF