Peerage prompts Merron to step down from Board
GILLIAN MERRON is to step down as Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies after being appointed as a Life Peer in the House of Lords.
Former United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA) chief executive Michael Wegier has been appointed Interim Chief Executive in her place.
Former Labour MP Ms Merron has been the Board’s chief executive since 2014 and will leave the top communal post on April 2.
Confirming her departure on Monday she said: “I have had the great honour of serving our community for six and a half years and whilst I am sad, I am also proud to leave the Board of Deputies in better shape, making greater impact and with more potential than ever before.
“I have enjoyed working together with so many talented and committed colleagues – presidents, lay leaders, staff and volunteers. I will look back with great pride, warmth and fondness on everything we have achieved together.
“Bearing in mind that the Board of Deputies is a non-party political organisation, my appointment as a Labour Peer presents a conflict. Therefore I will not be undertaking political work in my remaining time here.”
Mr Wegier said: “It is a privilege to have been appointed as the Interim Chief
Executive and I look forward to working closely with the Officers, the Professional Team and the Deputies as we all navigate the next phase of our community’s development.”
Ms Merron’s appointment as a life peer was confirmed last month after she was nominated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said of her departure from the communal organisation: “I would like to thank Gillian for her wonderful work as Chief Executive since she took over in 2014. The organisation has been transformed during that period and she can be credited with so many of our achievements.”