Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale “thrilled and honoured” to be joining Stonewall as new Chair

Stonewall has appointed the former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale as its new Chair, with Dugdale set to formally take up the role in September.

The organisation said its board of trustees had selected Dugdale to succeed outgoing chair Ayla Holdom, following the conclusion of Dugdale’s current term as Chair of Shelter in Scotland.

Speaking about her appointment, Dugdale said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be joining Stonewall at what she described as a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights.

“Stonewall has been central to delivering so many rights that I have the privilege to enjoy,” she said. “Yet there’s nothing inevitable about progress. There are too many stories both here and across the globe of rights being rolled back and progress reversed for us to rest easy.”

She said her decision to take on the role reflected growing concerns about the fragility of hard‑won gains, adding: “That’s why I’m choosing to volunteer my time as Chair, to support the brilliant and inspiring leadership of Simon Blake OBE and his wider team.”

Dugdale also expressed confidence in the organisation’s direction, saying Stonewall was “fit for the future” and prepared to respond to a challenging political and social landscape.

“Stonewall is ready to navigate these turbulent times, influence policy and create more safe and inclusive places for our community to feel safe and thrive in,” she said. “We won’t stop until everyone, everywhere has equal rights.”

Dugdale previously served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and as leader of Scottish Labour, and later became director of the John Smith Centre. She now works as associate director of the Centre for Public Policy, where she leads external engagement, acting as a bridge between academia, policymakers and the communities they serve.

Stonewall’s chief executive, Simon Blake OBE, said Dugdale’s appointment came at an important time for the organisation.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with Kezia,” he said. “She has a deep commitment to public service and a long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ equality. Her skills and experience across academia, politics and welfare will be an asset to Stonewall as we deliver on our purpose to create a safe and equal world for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and thrive.”

Outgoing chair Ayla Holdom said it had been a “profound privilege” to lead Stonewall, praising the organisation’s trustees and staff and expressing confidence in Dugdale’s leadership.

“It is a joy to hand over to Kezia as the new Chair of Stonewall,” Holdom said. “I step down proud of the strong foundations Stonewall has built, guided by clarity of purpose and strategy to navigate the turbulence of our times. We are right where we need to be: at the heart of civic society, driving the change that makes life safer and fairer for every LGBTQ+ person.”

She added: “Kezia is the perfect leader for our next chapter, and she has my full support and best wishes.”