IoD backs report into ‘racist’ chair

EMBATTLED Institute for Directors last night defended its probe into its former chairwoman Lady Barbara Judge – as it appointed ex-EasyJet executive Chris Walton as interim chairman.

The business group said its senior council member Dame Joan Stringer acted entirely appropriately in ordering a report into Lady Judge following complaints about her behaviour.

The institution was plunged into chaos last week after Lady Judge, 71, stepped down as chair to contest a host of allegations in the report including claims she made racist and sexist comments about staff – all strongly denied. Her deputy Sir Ken Olisa and fellow non- executive member Arnold Wagner also quit.

The Iod said: ‘Though the process has been painful, the IoD has followed necessary and proportionate procedure.’