In a controversial decision, Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, has rescinded the appointment of Lady Archer as chair of London's Royal Parks. The Labour government has instead reappointed Loyd Grossman to the position he has held since 2016.
The Royal Parks, a charity responsible for managing 5,000 acres of recreational land in London, oversees ten iconic parks including Hyde Park and Regent's Park. These green spaces, originally owned by the monarchy, have a rich history dating back to the 16th century and now welcome over 77 million visitors annually.
Lady Archer, who was selected for the unpaid role by the previous Conservative government in May 2024, was set to begin her tenure in July. However, following Labour's victory in the general election, her appointment was put on hold. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced Grossman's reappointment on September 17, 2024, without mentioning Lady Archer's prior selection or explaining the change.
This decision aligns with other recent actions by the Labour government, including Sir Keir Starmer's cancellation of Rishi Sunak's choice for national security adviser and the delay in appointing a new US ambassador.
The chairmanship of Royal Parks, which became a charity in 2017, is appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The organization manages diverse landscapes that provide habitats for numerous wildlife species, including the deer in Richmond Park, and is home to over 170,000 trees of 250 species.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, criticized the decision:
"Lady Archer has the qualifications and experience for this role, the Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said so himself. It's disappointing that the government has made this ill judged and spiteful decision."
Lady Archer's credentials include serving as chancellor of the University of Buckingham and chairing the board of trustees of the Science Museum from 2015 to 2023. She also led the board of Cambridge University Hospitals from 2002 to 2012 and was honored with a damehood in 2012 for her contributions to the NHS.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has stated that a fair and open competition will be held to appoint a new permanent chairman for Royal Parks. In the meantime, Grossman will continue in the role until May 2025, extending beyond his previous two four-year terms.
As the controversy unfolds, the future leadership of London's Royal Parks remains uncertain. These historic green spaces, which have played significant roles throughout history—including hosting anti-aircraft guns during World War II—continue to be vital to the capital's landscape and cultural heritage.