Midland Heart Appoint New Chair - Bishop Graham Llewellyn
Midland Heart Housing Association has replaced Lord Ian Austin as Chair with existing Board Member, Bishop Graham Llewllyn. This follows cross communities calls for Lord Ian Austin's resignation after he made a islamophobic and racist tweet on X , which BRIG and others made representation on to Midland Heart.
The following statement was issued on 1st March by Midland Heart Housing Association.
“The Board of Midland Heart announce that Lord Austin will step down from his role as Chair with immediate effect. Bishop Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of Nehemiah Housing, will assume the role of Chair whilst a permanent replacement is sought.
Midland Heart has never accused Lord Austin of racism or Islamophobia. His long history of campaigning against all forms of racism was one of the key reasons he was appointed as our chair in the first place.
Bishop Graham, Chair of Midland Heart, said:
“On behalf of myself and the rest of our Board, I want to thank Lord Austin for his service and stewardship. We all wish Lord Austin the best for the future.
“Now that this issue is concluded, myself, our Board and our Executive team look forward to returning to what matters most to our organisation, our tenants and the places they call home.”
Lord Austin said:
“I welcome this statement. Midland Heart has important work to do in improving housing in the Midlands and I am standing down as Chair so that they can concentrate on that.”
Neither Midland Heart nor Lord Austin will comment further on this matter.
Bishop Graham Llewellyn has more than 30 years’ experience in the voluntary, social housing and not-for-profit sectors. He began his career as a social worker, gained his MBA locally at the University of Wolverhampton, and is now Chief Executive Officer of Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association. He is also senior pastor and area bishop for the Church of God of Prophecy.
Further reading:
BRIG’s Open Letter to Midland Heart: Support for Suspension of Lord Ian Austin from Midland Heart Group - 24th February 2024. View here.