Split apparent at Oxfam as chief executive forced out

Trustees say Halima Begum was ousted as the charity's chief executive because of an 'irretrievable breakdown in trust and confidence' in her ability to do the job (ITV)

- HARRY COCKBURN

The forced exit of Oxfam's chief executive in the UK has revealed a split within the charity, with one prominent trustee claiming that damning leaks to the press were intended to “destroy” Dr Halima Begum and compounded existing headwinds the organisation faces.

Over the weekend Dr Begum was removed by the board after an independent review - which has not been made public, and which The Independent understands had not been presented to her - that allegedly flagged “serious issues” in her conduct and decision-making.

The organisation’s trustees said Dr Begum’s £130,000 a year position was “untenable” because of an “irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence” in her ability to do the job.

Dr Begum has also been accused of bullying and creating a “climate of fear” since she took up the role nearly two years ago - allegations which her supporters within the charity have dismissed as “absurd”.

In an article announcing her removal late on Sunday night, The Times reported that a letter to the board “signed” by almost 70 Oxfam staff - but who have remained anonymous - had called for trustees to investigate her conduct. The charity then hired an external public relations company to handle Dr Begum’s departure.