The election of the chairman of the CSCS skills card scheme will be delayed for two months, it was revealed this week.

The election will decide the successor to George Brumwell, who died suddenly in November. It was originally scheduled to take place this month but is now expected to be held in March.

Building understands that the delay will allow Construction Industry Training Board and the CSCS’ management to resolve issues over how the scheme is funded before the departure of Graham Medcroft, who is acting as interim chairman.

It is understood Medcroft will not stand for re-election.

The delay follows a long running power struggle between the CSCS board and the CITB over control of the scheme.

The CSCS board, which includes representatives from the construction unions, has been angered by the CITB’s continuing control over the scheme’s finances.

In the summer the two sides agreed a business plan to ensure that the scheme’s accounts were run independently.

This plan included the formation of a strategic board that will include the Construction Industry Council and the Construction Clients Group, and the appointment of a £75,000-a-year chief executive.

The recruitment process for this post is under way, and this is an additional reason for delaying the election of a chairman.

It is expected the next CSCS chairman will be an employer representative rather than a union leader.