Lord Haskins retires from LEP
Lord Haskins has confirmed his retirement from the role of chair of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) after eight years in the role.
Having initially announced his intention to retire last September, Lord Haskins agreed to postpone his departure in light of local authorities’ devolution discussions.
However with an approach now agreed for the future and transitioning political arrangements around the Humber and managing the economic response to the COVID-19 crisis expected to take two to three years. Lord Haskins has decided that now is the time for him to retire.
He said: “After over eight years it is time for me to step down as chair of the Humber LEP. The years ahead will be critical for the partnership as it works to support the economic recovery in the region and evolves its role in light of the devolution negotiations that will take place. It will be important to have stability during this period.”
The Board accepted his resignation, and in line with the established governance rules, has elected unanimously Stephen Parnaby OBE as interim chair, previously deputy chair. Parnaby will hold the role for the next two or three year, with a permanent appointment being made devolution in the Humber is established. Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, has agreed to this proposal.
Lord Haskins added: “I am delighted that Stephen Parnaby has accepted the Board’s offer to become Interim Chair. As a Board member and Deputy Chair, Stephen has been an invaluable support to me and has the skills and experience to lead the LEP through this period. In a time of crisis places must pull together, so I hope the many businesses and other organisations which work with the LEP will give Stephen their full support and continue working hard together to help our region’s economy now and into the recovery.”
Parnaby said: “Chris Haskins has been a tremendous chair of the Humber LEP and will be sorely missed. He is an impossible act to follow.
“I am honoured to have been chosen to take on this interim role in the challenging circumstances our economy faces, and look forward to working with partners across the region to support the Humber to return to growth as soon as possible. The current crisis may have knocked us off course, but it does not lessen the many opportunities which lie ahead for our region.”
Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, said: “I congratulate Chris Haskins for his strong leadership of the Humber LEP. Both banks of the Humber owe him a great debt, and he will be much missed.
“The Humber has made great strides during his tenure and he has chaired the LEP with energy, passion, and considerable skill. On a cross-party basis, Chris leaves with all our sincere best wishes.”
Kishor Tailor, chief executive of the Humber LEP, said: “I would like to thank Lord Haskins for all his hard work as LEP Chair over the past nine years. His contribution to the Humber and his work championing the region cannot be understated.
“I am also very much looking forward to working with Stephen Parnaby as Interim Chair. His appointment is very much welcomed and as both our Deputy Chair and with his wealth of skills and experience both at the LEP and in his professional and public work across the Humber. His leadership skills will be vital during this important phase of LEP evolution.”
