Tourism chairman quits as expenses inquiry continues
WELCOME to Yorkshire chairman Ron McMillan has resigned from his post as investigations into the company’s expenses and management procedures continue.
The tourism board has brought a number of high profile events to the county over recent years, including the Tour de France in 2014 and the subsequent Tour de Yorkshire cycling races.
But in March the chief executive Sir Gary Verity stepped down after allegations about his use of expenses and treatment of staff were made.
It was revealed that two previous allegations had been made – in 2014 and 2016 – about similar behaviour and that Sir Gary had been disciplined and told to attend counselling for his behaviour.
Mr McMillan quit the board and in his resignation letter told employees: “It is clear our local authority major sponsors are looking for a significantly revamped board to take the business forward.”
Mr McMillan announced he was leaving as the scope of two separate independent investigations were laid out.
Due to be completed by the end of June, they will be undertaken by independent forensic accountants BDO and by external lawyers Clarion.
The investigations will review the expenses of current and former employees on the senior management team over a six-year period, conduct confidential interviews with current and former employees who may wish to share their experiences and review the reporting procedures in place.
The news comes just one week before the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire starts.
The Examiner reported yesterday how Kirklees Council said it maintained confidence in Welcome to Yorkshire and would “continue to support the staff... and the good work they’re doing.”
Sheffield City Council had put £50,000 a year into Welcome to Yorkshire but public money from Kirklees was relatively modest.
Kirklees contributed almost £30,000 in 2014 when the Tour de France Grand Depart came to Holmfirth but there was only £4,000 in 2016, nothing in 2017 and £360 in 2018.