George Brumwell, chairman of the CSCS card scheme, is set to face a leadership challenge in January, according to senior industry sources.

Brumwell is understood to be under threat as a result of the decision to widen the scope of the card, for instance to include those over 55, without introducing additional tests. A challenge from CITB-ConstructionSkills, which lost control of the scheme earlier this year, is expected.

A source close to the scheme said that the CSCS board was under pressure from the government to demonstrate a commitment to standards and that the CITB was expected to cite the widened scope of the card as evidence that standards were being relaxed.

The source said: 鈥淭he CITB will do everything it can to undermine the CSCS leadership since it lost its grip on the card in July.鈥�

Bill Jenkins, the CSCS secretary, said that Brumwell was due for re-election in January, but could not confirm whether he would face a challenge.