Welcome To Yorkshire boss steps down after expenses investigation
MAN CREDITED WITH CREATING TOUR DE YORKSHIRE QUITS
THE man credited with creating the Tour de Yorkshire and bringing the Tour de France to the county has dramatically quit following an expenses investigation.
Sir Gary Verity has stepped down from his role as chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, after “errors of judgment regarding his expenses” were revealed.
Mr Verity, who was instrumental in bringing the Grand Départ of the 2014 Tour de France to Yorkshire, has resigned on “health grounds” although the agency say concerns had been raised in relation to expenses, as well as his behaviour towards staff.
A statement released by Welcome to Yorkshire on Friday evening makes clear that his resignation was not directly linked to any of the claims and also says that Sir Gary “has agreed to voluntarily reimburse Welcome to Yorkshire for monies owed”.
Mr Verity also issued his own comment, acknowledging that his standards and leadership “have fallen short” on occasions over his decade in charge of the company. Confirming the news, Mr Verity said: “Over the last ten-and-a-half years I have always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership. Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise. My health is now my main priority. I ask for time and space to heal.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such an inspirational organisation and work with such a creative and talented team.
“I know that Welcome to Yorkshire will continue to go from strength to strength and achieve many fantastic things over the coming years.”
A spokesman for Welcome to Yorkshire paid tribute to the work Sir Gary put in over his ten-and-a-half years at the helm.
A statement released by the agency said: “Welcome to Yorkshire would like to place on record its thanks to Sir Gary for the commitment and energy he has demonstrated during his ten years at Welcome to Yorkshire.
“Sir Gary has led the transformation of Yorkshire’s profile, most notably through the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2014 and the subsequent legacy of the Tour de Yorkshire, which have significantly boosted the county’s economy. We wish him well for the future.”