In the spotlight: Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron

In an interview in 2016, Merron, the top professional of WJC’s UK affiliate, reflected on the state of Britain's Jewish community and provided an in-depth overview of the challenges facing British Jews in the 21st century. She also struck an optimistic tone, outlining accomplishments that the community had made in the fight against antisemitism.

Merron was recently nominated by Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer to be made a life peer.

Reacting to the news, Gillian said:

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed. I have made it my life’s work to serve the country in whatever ways I can, whether in the trade unions, as MP for Lincoln, as a Government Minister and now alongside the outstanding lay and professional team at the Board of Deputies. I am very much looking forward to taking my place in the House of Lords.”

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:

“At the Board of Deputies, we are all absolutely delighted at the announcement that our Chief Executive Gillian Merron is to be made a peer. After decades of public service, in the trade union movement, as MP for Lincoln, as a Government Minister, and most recently as our much loved and highly respected chief executive, I can think of nobody more deserving of such an accolade. This is a great appointment which will be of great service to the whole country and we could not be prouder. Mazal Tov Gillian!”

You can view the announcement here.