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14
Jul 2021
Chief executive defends Welcome to Yorkshire after accountability allegations
The chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire has defended the organisation amid allegations that the tourism body has become unaccountable.
James Mason, who joined the organisation in January 2020, called on people to judge the body on its record “going forward”.
Mr Mason joined the organisation after former boss, Sir Gary Verity, resigned in March 2019. on health grounds. He later faced allegations of bullying and inappropriately claiming expenses, which he denied.
Two inquiries carried out after Sir Gary’s resignation cost the tourism body £482,500. Following the announcement of the investigations, the then chairman of Welcome to Yorkshire, Ron McMillan, resigned after councils funding the organisation demanded a "significantly revamped board to take the business forward".
In July 2019, Lord Paul Scriven, a former leader of Sheffield City Council and Liberal Democrat peer, called for the board to resign and said "fundamental change" was needed to regain its reputation.
The new allegations come after the Yorkshire Post reported that Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of Ripley Castle and Gardens, said in an email to members of Welcome to Yorkshire that the body had become “completely unaccountable” and had failed to meet with members.
Mr Mason told the Stray Ferret that he “fully respected” Sir Thomas' disappointment, but added that the organisation had taken steps to be accountable and transparent.
He said the accusation “could be labeled at the past” and the present “to a point”.
Read more:
- ‘We have a duty to support Tour de Yorkshire’
- Council’s £500k Welcome to Yorkshire loan extended for ‘technical reasons’
But, Mr Mason said the body was undertaking a governance review, held meetings in public and published minutes of its board.
He added that Welcome to Yorkshire was also looking at its constitution and how it elected chairmen and board members.
Mr Mason said:
Meanwhile, Mr Mason said the organisation needed to come together in order for the tourism industry to recover after the covid pandemic.
He said:
Mr Mason added:
Mr Mason called on people to judge Welcome to Yorkshire on their record going forward.
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