Citizens Advice and Northern director Katherine Shattuck has acquired £170 worth of shares in the organisation, it can be revealed. The purchase was made on behalf of her pension fund through the company's share matching scheme.
The news comes as Citizens Advice and Northern continues to work closely with the UK Government to improve access to rail services in the north of England. The organisation has been a vocal critic of recent changes to the rail network, including the decision to axe the TransPennine Express franchise.
Citizens Advice and Northern's director general Katherine Shattuck said: 'I'm pleased to have invested in the company that employs thousands of people across the north.'
The acquisition has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest for Shattuck, who has been a vocal critic of rail privatisation. However, a spokesperson for Citizens Advice and Northern stated that the director general's role is 'wholly focused on delivering free advice to those in need'.
Opposition MPs have called for greater transparency around share ownership among public sector leaders, citing concerns about potential conflicts of interest.