Willock to Be Premier's Special Adviser
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says his office is working to appoint former House Speaker Julian Willock as a special adviser, though no contract has yet been finalised. The announcement, made at a recent press conference, has raised questions about timing and transparency as the administration approaches the end of its term.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed his office is working toward appointing former House of Assembly Speaker Julian Willock as a special adviser, but said a contract has not yet been finalised. The Premier made the disclosure at a press conference after political commentator Cindy Rosan asked whether Willock had already been hired.
When asked, Dr Wheatley replied, "Not as yet, but we're working on it. He's going to be a special adviser for me." Rosan questioned the timing of the proposed appointment, noting the current administration is approaching the end of its term and asking, "Your government is going out, so what's the urgency in adding more people?" Dr Wheatley responded by challenging the premise that hiring should stop in the final year, asking, "You don't think we should hire anybody else in the next year?" and adding, "I wouldn't do it if it wasn't necessary." Details about the adviser role, including responsibilities and when a contract might be signed, have not been made public.
Special advisers typically provide guidance on policy, communications or political strategy to senior government officials, but the scope and cost of such appointments vary and are often scrutinised by residents and opposition politicians. Julian Willock is a well-known figure in local politics.
He served as Speaker of the House of Assembly during the period that included the territory's Commission of Inquiry into governance and left the position in 2022 after reforms implemented following the inquiry. During that time he publicly criticised aspects of the inquiry and was involved in legal proceedings; one challenge was later withdrawn and he was ordered to pay legal costs.
In 2024 Willock was arrested and charged with offences including forgery, misuse of office and conspiracy to provide false information to a public servant in relation to visa waiver matters and a document presented to the Immigration Department. He was granted bail and the matter remains before the courts.
The Premier's announcement is likely to prompt questions in the Territory about transparency, the timing of politically appointed roles and any financial implications for the public purse. Residents and watchdogs will expect details on the adviser’s mandate, reporting lines and contract terms once they are finalised, and the government has not yet said when it will release that information.
Willock continues to be a prominent and contested figure in public life, with opinions about his record sharply divided across the community.
Primary source: BVI News