Boris's choice for Arts Council post joins new advisory panel

Former Evening Standard editor Veronica Wadley has been appointed to a top-level arts panel weeks after being rejected as the best candidate to chair the Arts Council in London.

Arts and Business, an independent body which receives annual Arts Council funding of £4 million to forge links between the two sides, has named her as one of 40 leaders in commerce and culture on its newly-formed advisory council.

The experience could help Ms Wadley if she re-applies for the chairmanship of the Arts Council in London. She was chosen for the post by Boris Johnson but Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw refused to ratify the appointment amid claims the interview process breached Nolan rules on standards in public life. The Mayor says he will re-run the contest.

Last night Wadley's potential appointment was discussed on Radio 4 arts programme Front Row by Mr Bradshaw, shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt and Lib-Dem Don Foster.