VIDEO: Former Board chief executive Gillian Merron takes seat in House of Lords

The former chief executive of the Board of Deputies, Gillian Merron, has taken her seat in the House of Lords.

The communal leader, who served as Labour’s former health minister, was MP for Lincoln from 1997 until 2010 when she lost her seat to the Tories.

Prior to joining the Lords she served as the Board of Deputies of British Jews chief executive for more than six years, before announcing she was stepping down in January 2021.

Baroness Merron, who was recommended for a peerage by Sir Keir Starmer, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony where she swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen.

She was flanked by supporters and fellow Labour peers Baroness Smith of Basildon and Lord Knight of Weymouth.

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “We are so proud of our former Chief Executive, Gillian Merron. Her introduction to the House of Lords today was so well deserved after decades of service to the public. She was an excellent Chief Executive and we wish her every success in her new work as a peer of the realm. Mazal Tov, Baroness Merron!”

Introducer Lord Knight of Weymouth said, “Gillian is a hugely respected figure in Parliament, from her work in the Commons and more recently with the Board of Deputies. She will fit in instantly. We all look forward to her contribution.”

After leaving her role at the Board on 2 April, Michael Wegier, the former Chief Executive of leading Jewish charity, the UJIA, took over as interim CEO.