Bank of England chief hints he will stay to help with Brexit
LONDON — Bank of England Governor Mark Carney all but confirmed Tuesday that he is to stay at the helm of the central bank for longer than planned to help ensure Britain leaves the European Union as smoothly as possible.
Following days of speculation about an extension beyond his planned June 2019 departure, Carney told a committee of lawmakers that during “this critical period” everyone should do what they can to help the Brexit process.
Carney, a Canadian, took the top job at the Bank of England in July 2013 on a five-year basis. He extended it by a further year in the aftermath of Britain’s vote in June 2016 to leave the EU.
“Even though I have already agreed to extend my time to support a smooth Brexit, I am willing to do whatever else I can in order to promote both a smooth Brexit and an effective transition at the Bank of England,” he said Tuesday.