Puddephatt signs up to Charter 88

THE TOP job at one of Britain's leading legal rights pressure groups is up for grabs following the resignation of Andrew Puddephatt as general secretary of Liberty.

Puddephatt will join political campaign group Charter 88 in September as full-time director after six years at Liberty, replacing Colin Darracott.

He leaves behind him a five-strong legal team including two full-time lawyers.

A key role for his successor will be to develop Liberty's pro bono network of volunteer barristers and law firms.

"Liberty has become a key resource for defending people's rights and in particular has become a specialist in bringing cases before the European Court of Human Rights as well as domestic court," says Puddephatt. "I believe it is in good shape to go forward."

John Wadham, Liberty's legal director, will become acting general secretary until a permanent appointment is made.