Former CMA Chair Criticizes UK Government’s Interference in Competition Regulation, Citing Microsoft-Activision Case
LONDON – February 7, 2025 – Marcus Bokkerink, the recently ousted chair of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has launched a pointed critique of the UK government’s intervention in the regulator’s operations, suggesting political influence has hampered the CMA’s ability to effectively address lobbying and misinformation campaigns. In a LinkedIn post published today, Bokkerink specifically highlighted the Microsoft-Activision merger as a case where these issues came to the fore, implicitly criticizing the government’s perceived influence on the CMA’s decision-making process.
Bokkerink, whose abrupt removal from his position was followed by the interim appointment of former Amazon UK executive Doug Gurr, expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the government’s new direction for the CMA. He noted that while the CMA had made strides in tackling lobbying and misinformation, it remained an area requiring significant improvement. This veiled criticism suggests that external pressures, potentially from the government itself, may have hindered the CMA’s progress in this critical area. He further emphasized the need for transparency regarding the government’s intended "different approach" for the regulator, contrasting it with the CMA’s trajectory under his leadership. This statement raises questions about the potential for a more politically driven approach to competition regulation under the new leadership.
The timing of Bokkerink’s statement, coinciding with the ongoing scrutiny of the Microsoft-Activision merger, adds fuel to the debate surrounding the government’s role in influencing the CMA’s decisions. The merger has faced intense lobbying efforts from both proponents and opponents, highlighting the challenges faced by regulators in navigating complex and high-stakes transactions. Bokkerink’s comments suggest that these pressures may have played a role in the CMA’s ultimate decision, raising concerns about the integrity and independence of the regulatory process.
The former CMA chair’s critique also underscores the growing tension between the government’s desire to foster a pro-business environment and the need for robust competition regulation to protect consumers and maintain market fairness. Critics argue that the government’s intervention in the CMA’s operations could signal a shift towards a more lenient regulatory stance, potentially jeopardizing the CMA’s ability to effectively enforce competition law. This raises concerns about the potential for increased market concentration and reduced consumer choice in the long term.
Bokkerink’s statement comes amidst increasing calls for greater transparency and accountability in competition regulation. The implications of the government’s intervention in the CMA extend beyond the Microsoft-Activision case, impacting the broader landscape of competition enforcement in the UK. The appointment of Doug Gurr, a former Amazon executive, has already raised eyebrows, with some questioning his suitability to lead an independent regulator given his previous ties to a major tech company. These concerns highlight the need for a thorough and impartial assessment of the government’s new direction for the CMA and its potential impact on the effectiveness of competition regulation in the UK.
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