Labour Government Cancels Lady Archer's Appointment as Royal Parks Chair

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reopens search for the role, citing need for a fair and open competition.

Mary Archer, wife of former Tory MP Jeffrey Archer, was appointed by the previous Conservative government in May.
Lisa Nandy, the new Culture Secretary, has asked current chair Loyd Grossman to stay on until May 2025 while a new search is conducted.
The decision has been criticized as 'spiteful' and politically motivated by some, including Conservative MPs.
Lady Archer has a distinguished career, including roles as chancellor of the University of Buckingham and chair of the Science Museum board.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport insists the reappointment process will reflect the new government's priorities.