Former MP Creagh to lead charity for walking

FORMER WAKEFIELD MP Mary Creagh has been appointed as head of a national charity.

Ms Creagh, who lost her seat to Conservative Imran Ahmad Khan in December’s election, will begin her role as chief executive officer of Living Streets, in September.

Founded in 1929, Living Streets aims to encourage people to walk for all local journeys, and describes itself as a “beacon for walking”.

Ms Creagh said: “I am thrilled to join Living Streets as it fulfils its historic mission to create a walking nation. Millions of people have recently reconnected with walking and it has been a real comfort and lifeline during lockdown. But in too many places, our streets are not fit for purpose.

“I look forward to working with staff, supporters and trustees to put walking at the heart of the nation’s green recovery. We need better streets so that more people from all walks of life choose walking.”

The appointment comes after Joe Irvin retired from the role in March following Living Streets’ 90th anniversary.

Jenni Wiggle has been acting as interim CEO.

Ms Creagh will start her role on September 1. During her 14 years as Wakefield’s MP, Ms Creagh served as Shadow Cabinet Minister and Chair of the government’s Environmental Audit Committee. She is currently a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University and Chair of Responsible Business Practice at Lexington Communications.

Dame Jane Roberts, who chairs Living Streets, said: “In Mary we have found someone with exactly the right mix of skills and enthusiasm to lead Living Streets and take us to new heights as we look ahead to what we can achieve by our centenary year.

“Mary has a wealth of experience in campaigning on transport, public health and environmental issues at an international, national and local level.”