Chief executive of the CST to stand down in August

The chief executive of the Community Security Trust (CST) is to stand down after seven years in the role.

David Delew will step away from the post in August, with the charity’s current communications director, Mark Gardner, taking over the top job.

Speaking about the “incredibly difficult decision”,  Delew said:  “I will greatly miss the huge honour of leading CST, but it is right that I now move permanently back to Manchester to be with my wife Amanda, my children and my first grandchild.

“I wish Mark every success and have no doubt that CST will be in great hands.”

Gardner said: “I have fought against antisemitism, racism and extremism since I was a teenager and am deeply honoured to now lead CST on behalf of our entire Jewish community.”

He thanked Delew for “his excellent leadership” and “for the 30 years of friendship we have enjoyed together in service of our community.”

The charity’s chair, Gerald Ronson, paid tribute to the outgoing chief, who “has given his all for CST and our Jewish community, bringing focus, commitment and professional excellence across the charity.

“I thank David, not only from CST and its trustees, but also on behalf of the whole Jewish community and our many allies in the continuing struggle against antisemitism. I wish David every happiness and success for the future. Looking ahead, I fear that Britain, Jews and CST will be facing difficult times, but in appointing Mark to lead CST, we have one of our community’s most experienced and highly respected professionals at the helm.”