Ex-HMRC boss Jim Harra hired to sort 'misplaced' funds fiasco at NS&I

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Job requirement: An ability to run an organisation that does not wish to speak with its customers...Tick

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By Mr Hankey
26th Mar 2026 18:01
There was an old bloke called Jim
His CV was looking quite slim
At bottom of the pile
He messed up in style
The A-Webers' all think he's quite dim

Bell said NS&I needs the ‘best leadership’ as he called on retired HMRC boss Harra to oversee ‘fresh start’ for troubled bank.

What planet has Torsten been living on?...a plank would have a better chance of making a sensible appointment.

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Telegraph-New NS&I boss is career civil servant who failed to fix HMRC’s customer service

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If I were Kemi, at the next PMQs, I'd list all of the scathing reviews of HMRC during Sir Jim's leadership (it might be a long question) and ask Sir Keir how Sir Jim managed to get his latest gig.....repeat the question a 3 further times when Sir Keir fails to answer it and then listen to the Speaker confirm he can't make the PM answer the question; Nigel and the Reform Party walk out.

PS If I was the BBC I'd invite Torsten-Plank onto 'Have I got news for you' and let Hislop and Merton do their stuff.

PPS Torsten-Plank knighted in the next honours list for services to the PM.

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Torsten-Plank clearly did not use AI when selecting 'the best leadership' for NS&I. One would have thought the last thing Labour/Sir Keir needed was another ill-thought through appointment.

Sir Jim Harra's tenure as Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from 2019 to 2025 was marked by record-low performance metrics and significant friction with Parliament.

The primary criticisms of his leadership include:

Customer Service Collapse: Helpline performance reached an "all-time low," with average wait times soaring to 23 minutes in 2023–24, compared to just five minutes when he started. Approximately one-third of calls went unanswered.

Controversial Digital Strategy: Harra was accused by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of "deliberately neglecting" phone services to force taxpayers onto digital platforms.

The Helpline U-Turn: In 2024, Harra announced the closure of the main self-assessment helpline during summer months. Following an immediate backlash from professional bodies and a direct intervention from the Chancellor, he was forced to reverse the decision within 24 hours.

Loan Charge & IR35 Scandals: He faced intense scrutiny over the Loan Charge, with peers likening his stance to "Pontius Pilate" for refusing to take responsibility for the "life-ruining" impact on contractors. He was also criticised for failing to obtain a clear legal opinion before pursuing individuals for these tax debts.