Commenting on the naming of Robert Zoellick, former Deputy Secretary of State, to be the next President of the World Bank Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

"No offence to Mr Zoellick, but this is another American and another Bush appointee.

"The World Bank has fallen into disrepute through political appointments.

"It is not credible for the World Bank to preach good governance to developing nations when its own governance is based on such an outdated and patriarchal world view.

"The President of the World Bank should be chosen according to a transparent process on the basis of merit and qualification.

"It is a shame that the British Government has done nothing to push for an open and meritocratic selection process for the World Bank presidency."