Tony Blair faced new accusations of control freakery yesterday after sacking the head of the public-spending watchdog.

Audit Commission chairwoman Dame Helena Shovelton claims her contract was not renewed because of her fierce commitment to maintaining its independence. She told the Daily Express that she was "deeply concerned" that ministers would appoint a more Blairite successor. She said that "it is crucial that the person who heads the commission is equally committed to its independence".

A government spokesman denied that she has been sacked, arguing that Dame Helena "has simply come to the end of her term".