The chief executive of a charitable think tank has taken leave from his role after being selected as a Labour Party candidate in the upcoming general election.
Torsten Bell, who has led the Resolution Foundation since 2015, is taking leave to campaign in the Swansea West seat in Wales after being selected as Welsh Labour’s candidate last week.
A spokesperson for the charity, which aims to improve outcomes for people on low and modest incomes, confirmed that its deputy CEO Mike Brewer would lead the charity in his stead.
Green leader takes leave from charity role
Bell joins other charity leaders who have temporarily stepped down from their roles to focus on parliamentary campaigning including Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay.
Ramsay has led environmental charity the MCS Foundation since 2019 and will be taking unpaid leave to campaign in Waveney Valley, a new seat which sits across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The charity’s director of external affairs David Cowdrey will be acting CEO until the election on 5 July, a spokesperson confirmed.
They said: “The MCS Foundation remains apolitical and abides by all Charity Commission regulations.
“The MCS Foundation encourages all political parties to commit to decarbonising homes, heat and energy and works with everyone across the political spectrum to drive positive change and further the mission of achieving a carbon-free future for all UK homes.”
Meanwhile, Oasis Community Housing confirmed its CEO David Smith will take annual leave after being recently selected as Labour’s candidate in a newly-created North Northumberland seat.
Medical Aid for Palestinians chief executive Melanie Ward and International Rescue Committee UK executive director Laura Kyrke-Smith are also on leave while they campaign as Labour candidates.
Today, the Commission also published guidance for parliamentary candidates on how to engage with charities during the election period.
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