Select Committee on Treasury Eleventh Report


2  Professor Tim Besley

Background on Professor Tim Besley

8. Since July 1995, Professor Besley's main position has been Professor of Economics and Political Science at the London School of Economics. Before this, he was Assistant Professor of Economics and International Affairs at Princeton University. He was joint winner of the Yrjö Jahnsson award in 2005, which is bestowed upon "a young European economist who has made a contribution in theoretical and applied research that is significant to economics in Europe".[4] Professor Besley also maintains editorial input into numerous journals, and has authored a wide variety of papers himself, concentrating on areas such as development economics and public economics. Professor Besley is a British citizen, and holds a D. Phil from Oxford University.

Role as member of the MPC

9. In view of the economic and political importance of the MPC, there is a considerable degree of informed interest in both the general stance of its members and their individual positions at meetings. MPC members play a key role in representing that body to a wide range of audiences around the country and in gathering views.

10. We therefore questioned Professor Besley on his approach to matters such as the rise in personal insolvencies, and inflation expectations and on aspects of economic research he had already undertaken. We look forward to hearing more of his views in his future appearances before the Committee.

Assessment of personal independence and professional competence

11. We are satisfied that Professor Besley fulfils our criteria for appointment and wish him every success in his new role as a member of the MPC.


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